Final answer:
To find the range of f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 3, calculate the vertex of the quadratic function. As the parabola opens downwards, the range of the function are all y-values below or equal to the y-coordinate of the vertex. Hence, the range is y ≤ -3.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the range of a function using graphing technology, you need to start by finding the vertex of the function because the vertex gives us the maximum or minimum point of a parabola, which is crucial in determining the range. In this case, the function given is f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 3, which is a quadratic function in the form of f(x)= ax^2 + bx + c. The graph of this function is a parabola which opens downwards because the coefficient of x² is negative.
The vertex (h, k) of a quadratic function f(x) = a(x-h)² + k can be calculated using the formula h = -b/2a. In our function, a = -1 and b = 6. Substituting these in the formula, we get h = -6/(-2) = 3. To find k (the y-coordinate of the vertex), we substitute x = 3 into our function: f(3) = -(3)² + 6*3 - 3 = -3. Thus, the vertex of the function is at (3, -3).
Since the parabola opens downwards, the range of the function will be all the y-values that are lower than or equal to the y-coordinate of the vertex. So, the range of the function f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 3 will be y ≤ -3.
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