16Hit1600
Advanced MathHardReading a parabola in vertex form

Advanced Math practice question

The function h is defined by h(x) = −(x − 3)² + 9. Which of the following is true about the graph of h in the xy-plane?

  1. A. Its maximum value is 9, at x = 3.Correct
  2. B. Its minimum value is 9, at x = 3.
  3. C. Its maximum value is 3, at x = 9.
  4. D. It passes through (3, 0).

Answer: A. Its maximum value is 9, at x = 3.

The negative sign opens the parabola downward, and the vertex (3, 9) is its highest point.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Its minimum value is 9, at x = 3.
A downward parabola has a maximum, not a minimum.
C. Its maximum value is 3, at x = 9.
The coordinates are swapped.
D. It passes through (3, 0).
h(3) = 9, not 0.

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