The Coefficient of the x Term

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 2 views

Two Friends Wash Cars to Make Extra Money: A Mathematical Analysis of Profit

In today's economy, making extra money is a common goal for many individuals. Two friends, in particular, have found a creative way to earn some extra cash by washing cars. However, their profit is not solely dependent on the number of cars they wash, but also on the number of days they work. In this article, we will delve into the mathematical analysis of their profit, represented by the function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$, where ${$ x $}$ is the number of days they work.

The profit function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$ is a quadratic function, which means it has a parabolic shape. The graph of this function is a downward-facing parabola, indicating that the profit decreases as the number of days worked increases. To understand this function, let's break it down into its individual components.

The Coefficient of the x^2 Term

The coefficient of the ${$ x^2 $}$ term is -1, which means that the parabola opens downwards. This indicates that the profit decreases as the number of days worked increases.

The Coefficient of the x Term

The coefficient of the ${$ x $}$ term is 7, which means that the profit increases by 7 units for every additional day worked.

The Constant Term

The constant term is 10, which represents the initial profit when ${$ x = 0 $}$.

To visualize the profit function, we can graph it using a coordinate plane. The graph of the profit function is a downward-facing parabola, with its vertex at ${$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{7}{2(-1)} = \frac{7}{2} $}$.

Finding the Vertex

The vertex of the parabola represents the maximum profit that can be earned. To find the vertex, we can use the formula ${$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $}$. Plugging in the values of ${$ a = -1 $}$ and ${$ b = 7 $}$, we get ${$ x = -\frac{7}{2(-1)} = \frac{7}{2} $}$.

To evaluate the profit function, we can plug in different values of ${$ x $}$ and calculate the corresponding profit. For example, if the two friends work for 5 days, their profit would be ${$ P(5) = -(5)^2 + 7(5) + 10 = -25 + 35 + 10 = 20 $}$.

The profit function of the second friend is not explicitly given, but we can assume that it is also a quadratic function. To compare the profit of the two friends, we can graph both functions on the same coordinate plane.

Assuming that the second profit function is also a quadratic function, we can graph it using a coordinate plane. The graph of the second profit function is also a downward-facing parabola, with its vertex at ${$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $}$.

Comparing the Vertices

To compare the profit of the two friends, we can compare the vertices of their profit functions. The vertex of the first profit function is at ${$ x = \frac{7}{2} $}$, while the vertex of the second profit function is at ${$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $}$.

In conclusion, the profit function of the two friends is represented by the quadratic function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$. The graph of this function is a downward-facing parabola, indicating that the profit decreases as the number of days worked increases. By analyzing the profit function, we can determine the maximum profit that can be earned and compare it with the profit of the second friend.

Based on the analysis of the profit function, we can make the following recommendations:

The two friends should work for ${$ x = \frac{7}{2} $}$ days to maximize their profit.
The second friend's profit function should be analyzed to determine its vertex and compare it with the first profit function.

Future research can focus on the following areas:

Analyzing the profit function of the second friend to determine its vertex and compare it with the first profit function.
Developing a strategy to maximize the profit of both friends.

[1] "Quadratic Functions." Math Open Reference, mathopenref.com/quadratic.html.
[2] "Graphing Quadratic Functions." Math Is Fun, mathisfun.com/algebra/quadratic-graphs.html.

The following appendix provides additional information on the profit function.

Profit Function

The profit function is represented by the quadratic function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$.

Graph of the Profit Function

The graph of the profit function is a downward-facing parabola, with its vertex at ${$ x = \frac{7}{2} $}$.

Vertex of the Profit Function

The vertex of the profit function is at ${$ x = \frac{7}{2} $}$.

Evaluating the Profit Function

To evaluate the profit function, we can plug in different values of ${$ x $}$ and calculate the corresponding profit.

Comparing the Profit of the Two Friends

In our previous article, we delved into the mathematical analysis of the profit function of two friends who wash cars to make extra money. The profit function is represented by the quadratic function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$, where ${$ x $}$ is the number of days they work. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the profit function and its analysis.

Q: What is the maximum profit that can be earned by the two friends?

A: The maximum profit that can be earned by the two friends is represented by the vertex of the profit function, which is at ${$ x = \frac7}{2} $}$. To find the maximum profit, we can plug in the value of ${$ x $}$ into the profit function ${$ P(\frac{7{2}) = -(\frac{7}{2})^2 + 7(\frac{7}{2}) + 10 = -\frac{49}{4} + \frac{49}{2} + 10 = \frac{49}{4} + 10 = \frac{69}{4} $}$.

Q: How does the profit function change as the number of days worked increases?

A: The profit function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$ is a quadratic function, which means it has a parabolic shape. As the number of days worked increases, the profit decreases. This is because the coefficient of the ${$ x^2 $}$ term is -1, which means that the parabola opens downwards.

Q: Can the profit function be used to determine the optimal number of days to work?

A: Yes, the profit function can be used to determine the optimal number of days to work. By analyzing the profit function, we can determine the maximum profit that can be earned and the number of days required to achieve it.

Q: How does the profit function compare to the profit function of the second friend?

A: The profit function of the second friend is not explicitly given, but we can assume that it is also a quadratic function. To compare the profit of the two friends, we can graph both functions on the same coordinate plane. The graph of the second profit function is also a downward-facing parabola, with its vertex at ${$ x = -\frac{b}{2a} $}$.

Q: Can the profit function be used to determine the profit of the second friend?

A: Yes, the profit function can be used to determine the profit of the second friend. By analyzing the profit function of the second friend, we can determine its vertex and compare it with the first profit function.

Q: What are some potential applications of the profit function?

A: The profit function has several potential applications, including:

Determining the optimal number of days to work to maximize profit
Comparing the profit of different individuals or businesses
Analyzing the impact of changes in the number of days worked on profit
Developing strategies to maximize profit

Q: What are some potential limitations of the profit function?

A: The profit function has several potential limitations, including:

Assuming a quadratic relationship between profit and the number of days worked
Ignoring other factors that may affect profit, such as changes in demand or competition
Failing to account for potential risks or uncertainties associated with working

In conclusion, the profit function of the two friends is represented by the quadratic function ${$ P(x) = -x^2 + 7x + 10 $}$. By analyzing the profit function, we can determine the maximum profit that can be earned and the number of days required to achieve it. The profit function has several potential applications, including determining the optimal number of days to work to maximize profit and comparing the profit of different individuals or businesses.