Solved Problems

Problem 1

Find the minimum or maximum value of the quadratic function given below. 

f(x) = 2x2 + 7x + 5

Solution 1

Because the coefficient of x2 is positive, the parabola is open upward.

So, the function will have only the minimum value and the minimum value is y-coordinate of
the vertex.  

Find the vertex.

x-coordinate of vertex = -b/2a = -7/4 = -7/4
y-coordinate of vertex = f(-b/2a) = f (-7/4) = 2(-7/4)2 + 7(-7/4) + 5

= 2(49/16) - (49/4) + 5 = (49/8) - (49/4) + 5 = (49 - 98 + 40)/8= -9/8

Therefore, vertex = (-7/4, -9/8).

The minimum value is -9/8.

x y

0 5

-1 0

-7/4 -9/8

-2 -1

-2.5 0

(Parabola will be drawn on graph paper with the points and included)

0
Problem 2

Find the minimum or maximum value of the quadratic function given below. 

f(x) = -2x2 + 6x + 12

Solution:

Because the coefficient of x2 is negative, the parabola is open downward.

So, the function will have only the maximum value and the maximum value is y-coordinate
of the vertex.  

Find the vertex.

x-coordinate of vertex = -b/2a = -6/-4 = 3/2
y-coordinate of vertex = f(-b/2a) = = f (3/2) = -2(3/2)2 + 6(3/2) + 12 = -2(9/4) + 3(3) + 12 = -
9/2 + 9 + 12 = -9/2 + 21

= (-9 + 42)/2 = 33/2

Therefore, vertex = (3/2, 33/2).

The maximum value is 33/2.

x y

0 12

1 16

3/2 33/2

1
 2 16

2.5 15.5

(Parabola will be drawn on graph paper with the points and included)

2
Conclusion

If ax2 is not present, the function will be linear and not quadratic. Quadratic functions make
a parabolic U-shape on a graph. If a is negative, the parabola is flipped upside down.

Quadratic functions are symmetric about a vertical axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry
can be calculated using the formula: x = -b/2a

The vertex is the point found on the axis of symmetry. Because you know the x coordinate
of the vertex from the axis of symmetry, you can plug that value into the function to find the
y-coordinate.

Bibliography
https://www.math-only-math.com/maximum-and-minimum-values-of-the-quadratic-
expression.html

3
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Maximum-or-Minimum-Value-of-a-Quadratic-Function-Easily

https://www.onlinemath4all.com/find-the-maximum-and-minimum-value-of-quadratic-
function.html

https://www.shsu.edu/~kws006/Precalculus/2.1_Quadratic_Functions_files/S%26Z%202.3.pdf

https://www.cuemath.com/calculus/quadratic-functions/

https://www.coursehero.com/study-guides/ivytech-collegealgebra/determine-a-quadratic-
functions-minimum-or-maximum-value/