16Hit1600
Advanced MathHardMinimum value from factored form

Advanced Math practice question

The function k is defined by k(x) = (x − 2)(x − 6). What is the minimum value of k(x)?

Answer: -4 or −4

The zeros are 2 and 6, so the vertex is at their midpoint, x = 4. k(4) = (2)(−2) = −4.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 is WHERE the minimum occurs, not the minimum value.
If you answered 12
12 is k(0), the y-intercept.
If you answered -12
−12 has the wrong idea; k(0) = 12, and the minimum is −4.

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