What is the maximum of x and y?

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In summary, the conversation is about understanding the concept of "maximum" when used with a set of numbers and determining the local maximum of a curve at a specific point. It also discusses the nature of a curve and gives an example to illustrate it.
  • #1
ghostchaox
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What is the "maximum"

I don't understand what this is supposed to mean when used with a set of numbers like:

maximum of {x,y}

Can anybody help?
 
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  • #2
Are x and y independent variables?
 
  • #3
Plot these numbers as a smooth line:

-1,-1
0,0
1,-1

What is the local maximum around x=0?
 
  • #4
Is {x,y} a set of coordinates on the curve? Or are they the actual point of the relative maximum.
 
  • #5
Well if you mean extremas, then you {x,y} must be a stationary point where the gradient of the tangent is equal to 0.

If so, then it is talking about the nature of the curve. An example is:
consider the graphs of the following...
y=x^2, at x=0, it is a minimum stationary point.
y=-x^2, at x=0, it is a maximum stationary point.
 
  • #6
ghostchaox said:
I don't understand what this is supposed to mean when used with a set of numbers like:

maximum of {x,y}

Can anybody help?

Based on what you wrote,

maximum of {x,y} =
x, if x>=y
y, otherwise
 

What does "maximum of x and y" mean?

In mathematical terms, the maximum of x and y refers to the larger value between x and y.

How is the maximum of x and y calculated?

The maximum of x and y is calculated by comparing the values of x and y and selecting the larger value as the maximum.

What is the difference between maximum and minimum?

Maximum and minimum are two mathematical terms used to describe the largest and smallest values in a set of numbers. The maximum refers to the largest value, while the minimum refers to the smallest value.

Can the maximum of x and y be equal to both x and y?

No, by definition, the maximum of x and y is always the larger value between the two. If x and y are equal, then the maximum is simply equal to x (or y).

How is the maximum of x and y used in real life?

The maximum of x and y can be used in various real-life scenarios, such as determining the maximum weight a bridge can hold or identifying the maximum temperature for a specific chemical reaction. It can also be used in data analysis to find the highest value in a set of data.

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