You set the derivative equal to zero and solve the equation. For example y = x^2 + 5x +7 is the equation of a parabola. dy/dx = 2x +5. Setting 2x +5 = 0 then x = -5/2. When x = -5/2 y = 3/4. This is the minimum. We know it's a minimum and not a maximum because when x is large y is large.
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To find the value of a in a parabola opening up or down subtract the y-value of the parabola at the vertex from the y-value of the point on the parabola that is one unit to the right of the vertex.
Usually at the minimum or maximum of a function, one of the following conditions arises:The derivative is zero.The derivative is undefined.The point is at the end-points of the domain that is being considered (or of the naturally-defined domain, for example, zero for the square root).This will give you "candidate points"; to find out whether each of these candidate points actually is a maximum or a minimum, additional analysis is required. For example, if the second derivative is positive, you have a minimum, if the second derivative is negative, you have a maximum - but if it is zero, it may be a maximum, a minimum, or neither.
Any graph should be titled and have maximum and minimum values listed on it. The minimum values are usually on the bottom left and the maximum values are on the top right and bottom right of the graph.
the range of the number is the maximum minus the minimum.
Range = Maximum - Minimum