What are the maximum and minimum values of the function y = 2x² – 32x + 12, and what is the range of this function?

The function in question is a quadratic function expressed as:

y = 2x² – 32x + 12

This function opens upwards since the coefficient of the x² term (2) is positive. To find the maximum or minimum value of this function, we need to determine the vertex of the parabola.

The x-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola given by the general form y = ax² + bx + c can be found using the formula:

x = -b/(2a)

In our case, a = 2 and b = -32. Plugging these values into the formula gives:

x = -(-32)/(2 * 2) = 32/4 = 8

Now to find the corresponding y-value (the minimum value of the function) at this x-coordinate, we substitute x = 8 back into the original function:

y = 2(8)² – 32(8) + 12

y = 2(64) – 256 + 12

y = 128 – 256 + 12

y = -116

Therefore, the minimum value of the function y = 2x² – 32x + 12 is -116 at x = 8.

Since the function opens upward, there is no maximum value (the function approaches infinity as x moves away from the vertex). Thus, we can conclude:

Maximum Value: None (infinity)

Minimum Value: -116 (at x = 8)

Now, to find the range of the function, we know that the parabola reaches its lowest point at y = -116. Because it opens upwards, the function can take on any value greater than or equal to this minimum value.

Thus, the range of the function is:

Range: y ≥ -116

To summarize:

  • Minimum Value: -116 (at x = 8)
  • Maximum Value: None
  • Range: y ≥ -116

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