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Distance from curve to origin

  1. Mar 9, 2010 #1

    lockedup

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    1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known dataFind the shortest distance from [tex]x^{2}-y^{2}=1[/tex] and the origin.

    I was gone when my professor taught on this. I just want some hints to get started...

    2. Relevant equations



    3. The attempt at a solutionI graphed it and it's pretty easy to see that the answer is one. I just don't know how to prove it...
     
    lockedup, Mar 9, 2010
  2. jcsd
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  3. Mar 9, 2010 #2

    ideasrule

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    Homework Helper

    The square of distance is x^2+y^2, so you have to minimize that. Can you express x^2+y^2 in terms of only one variable?
     
    ideasrule, Mar 9, 2010
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