Maximum or Minimum of a Polynomial

#maths #polynomials
I've been seeing a lot of maximum or minimum questions in case studies, so here you go:
For a quadratic polynomial (or function) it will EITHER have a maximum or a minimum (in
broad terms).

Consider the general form of a quadratic function:

2
f (x) = ax + bx + c

When a > 0, the parabola (graph) will open upwards, hence visibly, there will be a
minimum.
Here: The polynomial y = x 2
− 2x − 8, has been used. It has a minimum of −9, when its x-
coordinate is 1.

When a < 0, the parabola (graph) will open downwards, hence visibly, there will be a
maximum.

This minimum or maximum will be on like the tip of the parabola in each case - this term is
technically called the vertex of the parabola. It is defined as the point through which the axis
of symmetry touches the parabola. It has coordinates:

b D
V (h, k) = (− ,− )
2a 4a

where, D is the discriminant. (If you want the derivation, just DM me).
Quick Tip: Instead of using − as the y-coordinate, just find out the x-coordinate of the
D

4a
vertex, and then substitute that in the function/polynomial i.e. k = f (h).
Also! Don't forget the minus signs!

Examples
1. The profit from sales can be approximated using the
polynomial
2
P (x) = −x + 22x − 40

where x is the cost of a ticket. What is the maximum profit that

can be procured (rupees)?
Solution: Since a < 0, a maximum for the polynomial exists. The x-value for that maximum
is

b 22
x = − = − = 11
2a 2(−1)

Therefore the maximum profit that can be attained is:

2
P (11) = −11 + 22(11) − 40 = 81

The maximum profit is 81 rupees, with each ticket priced at 11 rupees.

2. For a rocket launched, its height after t seconds is given by

the function:
2
h(t) = −16t + 240t + 544

What is the maximum height attained by the rocket?

Solution:
2 2
D b − 4ac 240 − 4(−16)(544)
y = − = − = − = 1444
4a 4a 4(−16)