Question

The following function represents the profit P(n), in dollars, that a concert promoter makes by selling tickets for n dollars each:
P(n) = -250n2 + 2,500n - 5,250

Part A: What are the zeroes of the above function and what do they represent? Show your work. (4 points)

Part B: Find the maximum profit by completing the square of the function P(n). Show the steps of your work. (4 points)

Part C: What is the axis of symmetry of the function P(n)? (2 points)

Answer 1

A) zeroes

P(n) = -250 n^2 + 2500n - 5250

Extract common factor:

P(n)= -250 (n^2 - 10n + 21)

Factor (find two numbers that sum -10 and its product is 21)

P(n) = -250(n - 3)(n - 7)

Zeroes ==> n - 3 = 0  or n -7 = 0
Then n = 3 and n = 7 are the zeros.

They rerpesent that if the promoter sells tickets at 3  or 7 dollars the profit is zero.

B) Maximum profit

Completion of squares

n^2 - 10n + 21 = n^2 - 10n + 25 - 4 = (n^2 - 10n+ 25) - 4 = (n - 5)^2 - 4

P(n) = - 250[(n-5)^2 -4] = -250(n-5)^2 + 1000

Maximum ==> - 250 (n - 5)^2 = 0 ==> n = 5 and P(5) = 1000

Maximum profit =1000 at n = 5

C) Axis of symmetry

Vertex = (h,k) when the equation is in the form A(n-h)^2 + k

Comparing A(n-h)^2 + k with - 250(n - 5)^2 + 1000

Vertex = (5, 1000) and the symmetry axis is n = 5.