Minimum distance in within a quadrilateral

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In summary, we are trying to find the point P that will minimize the sum of the distances from P to the four vertices of a convex quadrilateral. It is believed that the intersection of the diagonals is the point that will achieve this minimum distance, although it has not been mathematically proven. Moving away from this point increases the sum of the distances.
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Homework Statement


Let A, B, C, D be the vertices of a convex quadrilateral. Convexity means that for each lines L(ab), L(bc), L(cd), L(da) the quadrilateral lies in one of its half-planes. Find the point P for which the minimum Min(d(P,A)+d(P,B)+d(P,C)+d(P,D)) is realized.


Homework Equations


Min(d(P,A)+d(P,B)+d(P,C)+d(P,D)) is the equation we're trying to minimize.
distance=d(X,Y)=abs(X-Y)=sqrt((X-Y)x(X-Y)) where "x" is the dot product.

The Attempt at a Solution


For starters, this is for my Euclidean geometry class, so there's no coordinates or Calculus, I presume. My initial guess is that the point that would minimize those distances would be the intersection of the diagonals but I can't figure out why.
 
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  • #2
I think you are probably right about the intersection of the diagonals. I'm not sure of a mathematical way to prove this, but I believe you can show that moving away from that point increase the sum of the lengths of those four lines. I can think of a few examples.
 

What is the definition of minimum distance in within a quadrilateral?

The minimum distance in within a quadrilateral refers to the shortest distance between any two points within the quadrilateral. It is the distance that must be traveled to go from one point to another while staying within the boundaries of the quadrilateral.

How is the minimum distance calculated in a quadrilateral?

The minimum distance in a quadrilateral can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem can be applied to any two points within the quadrilateral to determine the minimum distance between them.

What is the significance of minimum distance in a quadrilateral?

The minimum distance in a quadrilateral is important because it can help determine the shortest path between two points within the quadrilateral. This can be useful in various applications such as navigation, optimization problems, and determining the efficiency of a system.

Can the minimum distance in a quadrilateral be negative?

No, the minimum distance in a quadrilateral cannot be negative. Distance is a measure of the space between two points and it is always a positive value. If the minimum distance between two points within a quadrilateral is found to be negative, it is an indication of an error in the calculation.

How does the shape of a quadrilateral affect the minimum distance within it?

The shape of a quadrilateral can greatly affect the minimum distance within it. For example, a square has equal sides and angles, resulting in the minimum distance between any two points being the same. However, in a more irregular quadrilateral, the minimum distance may vary depending on the specific points chosen.

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