Question 52·Easy·Nonlinear Functions
The graph shows the height, in feet, of a stream of water from a fountain seconds after it leaves the nozzle.
Which choice gives the maximum height of the water stream, according to the graph?
For a nonlinear curve like a parabola, a maximum on the graph is simply the highest point you can see. Do not compute anything unless you have to: find the vertex visually and read its -coordinate from the grid.
Hints
Find the highest point
Look for the point on the curve that is highest above the -axis.
Use the vertex
Because the curve is a downward-opening parabola, its highest point is its vertex.
Read the height value
Read the -coordinate of that highest point.
Desmos Guide
Plot key points from the graph
Enter the visible points from the graph as points, such as , , and .
Confirm the peak visually
Look at the plotted points and note which one has the greatest -value.
Read the maximum height
Use the -coordinate of the highest plotted point as the maximum height.
Step-by-step Explanation
Locate the maximum on the graph
Because the curve is a downward-opening parabola, its maximum occurs at its highest point (the vertex).
Read the vertex’s height
From the graph, the vertex has , so the maximum height is 11 feet.