Optimal Value

Optimal Value also known as the minimum or maximum value is the highest or lowest value that the graph reaches.

The y coordinate of the vertex will always be the Optimal Value because it is where a horizontal line can be formed to mark the parabolas highest or lowest point.

Therefore the optimal value can be found out in a parabola written in vertex form by take the y coordinate:

Vertex form equation: y = a (x+h)²+k

Vertex: (-h,k)

Optimal Value y=k

NOTE: Since the optimal value is a horizontal line, it has to be written:

y=____

Example

Equation of parabola:

y = (x+2)² + 2

What is the Optimal Value?

Solution

Vertex Form Equation: y = (x+2)² + 2

Vertex (-2, 2)

Optimal Value: y = 2