(B) 4
The quick, logical analysis answer is to look at the function on the right side of the equation that is used to determine the value of M
The constant 4 is being subtracted by an (expression) squared
For any real value or X ————-> (4 - X)^2 will result in a non-negative output value - either 0 or some (+)positive value
This non-negative value is then subtracted from 4. The best we can hope for is to have the output value of (4 - x)^2 to be equal to = 0
in which case none of the positive 4 value will be “chipped away at” by the negative value
When X = 4
M = 4 - (4 - 4)^2
M = 4 - 0
MAX value of M occurs at: M = 4
You can also see this by letting M be one of the positive value answers ———> M = 20, option E
M = 20 = 4 - (4 - x)^2
16 = - [(4 - x) (4 - x) ]
16 = - [ 16 - 8x + x ^2 ]
16 = -16 + 8x - (x)^2
(x)^2 - 8x + 32 = 0
(x)^2 - 8x + 16 + 16 = 0
(x - 4)^2 + 16 = 0
(x - 4)^2 = -16
The output of any value Squared can never be a negative value
The best we can hope for is to eliminate the - (4 - x)^2 in the original equation and have M = 4
(b) 4
Edit: should be (D) 4
Not (B) 4 - wrote down the wrong answer choice to accompany the answer
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