Find minimum value of the expression

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the minimum value of a specific expression related to a monic polynomial of degree n, evaluated at several integer points. The expression is the sum of the squares of the polynomial evaluated at these points, specifically from 1 to n+3.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formulation of the polynomial and the complexity of deriving the minimum value from the resulting expression. There is mention of using derivatives with respect to polynomial coefficients to find the minimum, but questions arise about which coefficients to differentiate and how to handle the multiple variables involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the use of derivatives to minimize the expression. Some guidance has been offered regarding the approach to take, but there remains uncertainty about the specifics of the differentiation process and the handling of multiple coefficients.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge posed by the number of coefficients in the polynomial and the complexity of the resulting function that needs to be minimized. There is an implied constraint of working within the framework of polynomial functions and their properties.

utkarshakash
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Homework Statement


Let n be a positive integer. Determine the smallest possible value of $$|p(1)|^2+|p(2)|^2 + ...+ |p(n+3)|^2 $$ over all a monic polynomials p with degree n.


The Attempt at a Solution



Let the polynomial be x^n+c_{n-1} x^{n-1} +...+ c_1x+c_0

p(1) = c_0+c_1+c_2+...+1

Similarly I can write p(2) and so on, square them and add them together to get a messy expression. But after this, I don't see how to find its minimum value. The final expression is itself difficult to handle. I'm sure I'm missing an easier way to this problem.
 
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You don't need the full expressions to find derivatives with respect to the coefficients.
 
mfb said:
You don't need the full expressions to find derivatives with respect to the coefficients.

Derivative wrt to which coefficient? There are so many.
 
utkarshakash said:
Derivative wrt to which coefficient? There are so many.

Yo have n variables ##c_0,c_1, \ldots, c_{n-1}## and a function
f(c_0,c_2, \ldots, c_{n-1}) = \sum_{k=1}^{n+3} [k^n + c_{n-1} k^{n-1} + \cdots + c_1 k + c_0]^2
You minimize ##f## by setting all its partial derivatives to zero; that is, by setting up and solving the equations
\frac{\partial f}{\partial c_i} = 0, \: i = 0, 1, 2, \ldots, n-1
 

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