sat suite question viewer
The function is defined by . For what value of does reach its minimum?
Explanation
Choice A is correct. It's given that . Since , it follows that . Expanding the quantity in this equation yields . Distributing the and the yields . Combining like terms yields . Therefore, . For a quadratic function defined by an equation of the form , where , , and are constants and is positive, reaches its minimum, , when the value of is . The equation can be rewritten in this form by completing the square. This equation is equivalent to , or . This equation can be rewritten as , or , which is equivalent to . This equation is in the form , where , , and . Therefore, reaches its minimum when the value of is .
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of for which , rather than , reaches its minimum.
Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.
Choice D is incorrect. This is the value of for which , rather than , reaches its minimum.