Question

In Problems 15–17, determine whether the given quadratic function has a maximum value or a minimum value, and then find the value.

$f\left(x\right)=-2x^2+4$

Short answer

The quadratic function has a maximum value. The maximum value is 4.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information.

Determine whether the given quadratic function has a maximum value or a minimum value, and then find the value.

$f\left(x\right)=-2x^2+4$

Step 2. Compare the function.

Compare

$$\begin{gathered} f\left(x\right)=-2x^2+4\mathrm{to}f\left(x\right)=a{x}^2+bx+c \\ \mathrm{Then}\mathrm{a}=-2,\mathrm{b}=0\mathrm{and}\mathrm{c}=4 \end{gathered}$$

Since $a<0$the graph of f opens down, so the vertex is a maximum value occurs at

$x=-\frac{b}{2a}=-\frac{0}{2\left(-2\right)}=0$

The maximum value is

$f\left(-\frac{b}{2a}\right)=f\left(0\right)=-2{\left(0\right)}^2+4=4$

Step 3. Conclusion.

The quadratic function has a maximum value. The maximum value is 4.