16Hit1600
Advanced MathMediumReading the maximum from vertex form

Advanced Math practice question

The function g is defined by g(x) = −2(x − 3)² + 8. What is the maximum value of g?

  1. A. 8Correct
  2. B. 3
  3. C. −2
  4. D. −8

Answer: A. 8

Since −2(x − 3)² ≤ 0 with equality at x = 3, the greatest value is g(3) = 8.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 3
3 is WHERE the maximum occurs (the x-coordinate of the vertex), not the maximum value.
C. −2
−2 is the leading coefficient; it only tells us the parabola opens downward.
D. −8
−8 flips the sign of the vertex's y-coordinate.

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