Finding Min Value: 2x^2-36x+175

  • Thread starter Thread starter Taylor_1989
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Minimum
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the quadratic expression 2x^2 - 36x + 175 and the task of rewriting it in the form a(x-b)^2 + c. Participants are exploring the process of completing the square and determining the minimum value of the expression.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of completing the square and question the correctness of their expressions. There is confusion regarding the multiplication factor when rewriting the expression. Some participants also check their results using differentiation.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct form of the expression and the minimum value. Some participants have provided their reasoning and calculations, while others have pointed out potential errors in the initial attempts. Input is being sought to clarify the process and confirm correctness.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention confusion stemming from the multiplication factor in the completed square form and express concern over potential typos in their previous messages. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in the mathematical expressions being discussed.

Taylor_1989
Messages
400
Reaction score
14
Right so, I actually know the math, my problem is that I think, I am getting confused with wording. I will explain better where I show you where my problem lies.

Question: Show that [itex]2x^2-36x+175[/itex] mat be written in [itex]a(x-b)+c[/itex] where the values a,b,c are to be found.

state, with reason, the least possible value of [itex]2x^2-36x+175[/itex]

so basically I complete the square, I get [itex]2(x-9)+26[/itex] the book ans [itex]1(x-9)+13[/itex] so all they have done is not multiplied back through by 2.

The when it comes to find the least possible value x=9 and y= 13. I did check this with differentiation and get x=9 which don't get me wrong I can see that, but what I don't understand, my books when ever completing the square always multiply through with the number factored out. This has cause some confusion on my part.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Taylor_1989 said:
Right so, I actually know the math, my problem is that I think, I am getting confused with wording. I will explain better where I show you where my problem lies.

Question: Show that [itex]2x^2-36x+175[/itex] mat be written in [itex]a(x-b)+c[/itex] where the values a,b,c are to be found.
That would have to be a(x - b)2 + c, which is not what you wrote. You are consistently omitting this exponent, so it doesn't seem to be merely a typo.
Taylor_1989 said:
state, with reason, the least possible value of [itex]2x^2-36x+175[/itex]

so basically I complete the square, I get [itex]2(x-9)+26[/itex] the book ans [itex]1(x-9)+13[/itex] so all they have done is not multiplied back through by 2.
Both answers are incorrect, which can be seen if you expand each expression. Neither one expands to 2x2 - 36x + 175.

Taylor_1989 said:
The when it comes to find the least possible value x=9 and y= 13. I did check this with differentiation and get x=9 which don't get me wrong I can see that, but what I don't understand, my books when ever completing the square always multiply through with the number factored out. This has cause some confusion on my part.
 
Nope it was a typo, I was doing quickly on a break, did not have a lot of time, so rushed through, still no excuses; apologise on my behalf . Here is how I worked it out: [itex]2x^2-36x+175 \rightarrow 2(x^2-18x+\frac{175}{2}) \rightarrow 2((x-9)^2+\frac{175}{2}-\frac{162}{2}) \rightarrow 2((x-9)^2+\frac{13}{2}) \rightarrow 2(x-9)^2+13[/itex]

which I believe is correct??

I did multiply back through and got the correct ans.

I do actual think I have ans my own question in doing this, but wouldn't mind the input.

Once again I do apologise for my pervious mistake, I do not wish to think I was wasting your time.
 
Taylor_1989 said:
Nope it was a typo, I was doing quickly on a break, did not have a lot of time, so rushed through, still no excuses; apologise on my behalf . Here is how I worked it out: [itex]2x^2-36x+175 \rightarrow 2(x^2-18x+\frac{175}{2}) \rightarrow 2((x-9)^2+\frac{175}{2}-\frac{162}{2}) \rightarrow 2((x-9)^2+\frac{13}{2}) \rightarrow 2(x-9)^2+13[/itex]

which I believe is correct??
Yes, this is correct. The only change I would make is to use = between each pair of expressions instead of an arrow.
Taylor_1989 said:
I did multiply back through and got the correct ans.

I do actual think I have ans my own question in doing this, but wouldn't mind the input.

Once again I do apologise for my pervious mistake, I do not wish to think I was wasting your time.
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K