MCR3U Unit 3 Mr.

James
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Lesson 3.2 – Maximum or Minimum Values of a Quadratic Function

Recall:
 A quadratic function in standard form is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 , where 𝑎 ≠ 0.
 A quadratic function in vertex form is 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘 , where the point (ℎ, 𝑘) is the vertex, and
𝑥 = ℎ is the equation of the axis of symmetry (AOS), and 𝑎 ≠ 0.
 When 𝑎 > 0 (when “a” is positive), the parabola opens up, and the vertex is a minimum.
 When 𝑎 < 0 (when “a” is negative), the parabola opens down, and the vertex is a maximum.

Completing the Square

Completing the Square – the process of expressing a quadratic relation, 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 , in vertex form
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘. It allows us to directly find the vertex of a quadratic relation algebraically.

Steps to Complete the Square (Writing quadratic relations from standard form to vertex form):

1. Group the terms with x’s in them, and then factor the coefficient of the 𝑥 term.
(Note: the coefficient of 𝑥 must be 1 to begin)
Example: 2𝑥 − 12𝑥 + 23

2. Complete the square by making the expression inside of the bracket a perfect square trinomial.
i) Take the coefficient of the 𝑥 term, and divide it to 2, and then square it.

ii) Add and subtract the new term inside of the brackets (we are actually adding “0”).

iii) Remove the negative term, bringing it outside of the brackets (multiply it by the common factor, if any).

iv) Factor the trinomial inside of the brackets (perfect square trinomial). Then simplify. The answer should
be in the form 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘.
MCR3U Unit 3 Mr. James
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Example 1: Write the quadratic relation (given in standard form) in vertex form by completing the square.

𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 24𝑥 + 50

Example 2: Determine the optimal value (either the maximum or the minimum) by completing the square.

𝑦 = −4𝑥 + 8𝑥 − 1
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Averaging the Zeros

Find the Vertex by Averaging the Zeros (x-intercepts):

1. To solve for the “ℎ” value (the “𝑥” value of the vertex):
Average the zeros.
𝑟+𝑠
ℎ=
2
where 𝑟 and 𝑠 are the zeros (x-intercepts) of the quadratic function.

2. To solve for the “𝑘” value (the “𝑦” value of the vertex):
Substitute the “ℎ” value back into the original equation.

Example 3: Find the optimal value (either the maximum or the minimum) by first using the roots to solve for the
“ℎ” value. Then state whether this value is a maximum or a minimum.

𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 5
MCR3U Unit 3 Mr. James
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Maximum and Minimum Word Problems:

1. The revenue function of a manufacturing company is given by R(x) = – 3x2 + 14x + 60. The cost function is
given by C(x) = 5x + 6. R(x) and C(x) are in thousands of dollars and x is in hundreds of units.

(a) Find the profit function, P(x).

(b) Determine the break-even (zero profit) point.

(c) Determine the maximum profit for the company. How many units must be produced to achieve this
maximum profit?
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2. A ball tossed upward from a cliff that is 40 m above the ground. The height of the ball from the ground is given
by the function ℎ = −5𝑡 + 10𝑡 + 40 , where ℎ is the height in meters and 𝑡 is time in seconds.
When will the ball reach maximum height? What is the maximum height of the ball?
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3. A model rocket is launched upwards with a high initial velocity. The height of the rocket ℎ, in metres, can be
modelled by ℎ = −7𝑡 + 250𝑡 , where 𝑡 is the elapsed time, in seconds. What is the maximum height of the
rocket? When does it reach this height? Round your answers to the nearest tenth.