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Find the maximum or minimum value of the function. \[ f(x)=-\frac{x^{2}}{3}+2 x+6 \] Is this a maximum or minimum value? \( \bigcirc \) maximum value minimum value

Ask by Summers Simpson. in the United States
Mar 19,2025

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Answer

The function has a maximum value of 9 at \( x=3 \).

Solution

1. The given function is \[ f(x)=-\frac{x^{2}}{3}+2x+6. \] 2. Since the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is \(-\frac{1}{3}\) (which is negative), the parabola opens downward. This means that the vertex of the parabola represents a maximum value. 3. The vertex of a quadratic function of the form \[ f(x)=ax^2+bx+c \] is given by \[ x=-\frac{b}{2a}. \] For the given function, \( a=-\frac{1}{3} \) and \( b=2 \). 4. Calculate the \( x \)-coordinate of the vertex: \[ x=-\frac{2}{2\left(-\frac{1}{3}\right)}=-\frac{2}{-\frac{2}{3}}=3. \] 5. Substitute \( x=3 \) back into the function to find the \( y \)-coordinate (maximum value): \[ f(3)=-\frac{(3)^2}{3}+2(3)+6. \] \[ f(3)=-\frac{9}{3}+6+6. \] \[ f(3)=-3+6+6=9. \] 6. Therefore, the function attains a maximum value of \( 9 \) at \( x=3 \). \[ \textbf{Maximum value: } 9. \]

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To find the maximum or minimum value of the function \( f(x)=-\frac{x^{2}}{3}+2x+6 \), we first note that the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is negative, which indicates that the parabola opens downward. Hence, there will be a maximum point. To find the \( x \)-coordinate of the vertex (where the maximum occurs), we use the formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \), where \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = 2 \). Calculating this gives us: \[ x = -\frac{2}{2 \cdot -\frac{1}{3}} = 3. \] Substituting \( x = 3 \) back into the function: \[ f(3) = -\frac{(3)^2}{3} + 2 \cdot 3 + 6 = -3 + 6 + 6 = 9. \] Thus, the maximum value of the function is \( 9 \). To ensure your solution is error-free, always double-check your work and make sure to substitute correctly. Keep in mind that operations in algebra can get tricky, especially with signs and fractions. Write everything out step-by-step to avoid missing any details!

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