16Hit1600
Advanced MathMediumMaximum of a quadratic in standard form

Advanced Math practice question

The function q is defined by q(x) = −x² + 4x + 5. What is the maximum value of q(x)?

  1. A. 9Correct
  2. B. 5
  3. C. 2
  4. D. 4

Answer: A. 9

The vertex is at x = −b/(2a) = −4/(−2) = 2, and q(2) = −4 + 8 + 5 = 9.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 5
5 is q(0), the y-intercept.
C. 2
2 is the x-coordinate of the vertex, not the maximum value.
D. 4
4 is the coefficient b.

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