What real value of \(t\) produces the smallest value of the quadratic \(t^2 -9t - 36 \)?
Hey @pinklemonade!
Use the factoring method to get -3 as the answer for t.
Cheers!
The "t" that produces the smallest value is at the vertex of this parabola.....this is
- (-9) / [ -2 *1 ] = 9/2 = 4.5
See the graph here : (I've used x instead of t....but....same idea) :
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/jzlppgwsly
@CPhill, are you sure it is 4.5?
Yeah....look at the graph I cited in my answer
When t = 4.5 the graph is at its minimum = -56.25
So....t =4.5 produces the minimum value of the quadratic
+111 
+220 
