Determine the minimum value of f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 7. (2021)

Determine the minimum value of f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 7. (2021)

Step 1: Identify the function we need to analyze, which is f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 7.
Step 2: Recognize that this is a quadratic function in the form of ax^2 + bx + c.
Step 3: Determine the coefficients: a = 1, b = -4, and c = 7.
Step 4: Use the formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex, which is x = -b/(2a).
Step 5: Substitute the values of a and b into the formula: x = -(-4)/(2*1) = 4/2 = 2.
Step 6: Now that we have x = 2, we need to find the minimum value of the function by substituting x back into f(x).
Step 7: Calculate f(2) = (2)^2 - 4(2) + 7.
Step 8: Simplify the calculation: f(2) = 4 - 8 + 7 = 3.
Step 9: Conclude that the minimum value of f(x) is 3, which occurs at x = 2.

Quadratic Functions – Understanding the properties of quadratic functions, including how to find their minimum or maximum values using vertex form.
Vertex of a Parabola – Identifying the vertex of a parabola represented by a quadratic function, which indicates the minimum or maximum point.
Completing the Square – Using the method of completing the square to convert a quadratic function into vertex form.