Find Maximum Value in a Set of Numbers

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The maximum value of a set of numbers can be expressed as y = max(x1, x2, x3, ...). Heaviside functions can also be utilized, where H(x) = 0 for x < 0 and 1 otherwise. For computational methods, sorting the list to retrieve the last element or using an optimized routine that minimizes comparisons are effective strategies. These approaches ensure accurate identification of the maximum value efficiently. Understanding these expressions and methods is crucial for mathematical and programming applications.
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How do I put down an expression that means the maximum value of a set of numbers?
 
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xeon123 said:
How do I put down an expression that means the maximum value of a set of numbers?

Hey xeon123.

Typically we write the expression as y = max(x1,x2,x3,...) in notational terms.

One way to write this is to use Heaviside functions where H(x) = 0 for x < 0 and 1 otherwise. If you want to just use a computer though then you can either sort a list and get the last element or implement an optimized routine that does the minimal number of compares to get the answer.
 

Thread 'Area of Overlapping Squares'

Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?
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