Answer:
3: [tex] 1.5 [/tex] in
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the greatest vertical distance of the design, we need to analyze the function [tex] f(x) = -(x - 1)^2 + 1.5 [/tex].
This function is in vertex form:
[tex] \Large\boxed{\boxed{f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k }}[/tex]
where
Comparing the given function to the vertex form, we can see that [tex] h = 1 [/tex] and [tex] k = 1.5 [/tex].
The vertex of the parabola is at the point [tex](1, 1.5)[/tex].
The maximum or minimum of the quadratic function occurs at the vertex. Since the coefficient of [tex] (x - 1)^2 [/tex] is negative, the parabola opens downward, and the vertex represents the maximum point.
Therefore, the greatest vertical distance of the design is the [tex] y [/tex]-coordinate of the vertex, which is [tex] 1.5 [/tex] inches.
So, the correct answer is:
3: [tex] 1.5 [/tex] in