Question

If the value of a in the quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c is -2, will the function open up or down? Will the vertex be a minimum or a maximum? Explain how you know the answers to both questions

Answer 1

opens down and vertex is a maximum

Explanation:

given a quadratic function in standard form

f(x) = ax² + bx + c ( a ≠ 0 )

• if a > 0 then opens up and is a minimum

• if a < 0 then opens down and is a maximum

here a = - 2 , then

the function opens down and has a maximum vertex