Minimum value of the expression

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the minimum value of various mathematical expressions, specifically quadratic functions. The participants clarify that determining the minimum value involves calculating the derivative of the function and identifying the corresponding y-value at that minimum x-value. For example, the minimum of the function f(x) = x + 2x^2 occurs at x = -0.25, yielding a minimum value of f(-0.25) = -0.125. This process is essential for solving optimization problems in calculus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus concepts, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with quadratic functions and their properties
  • Knowledge of optimization techniques in mathematics
  • Ability to evaluate functions at specific points
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of taking derivatives for various types of functions
  • Learn about critical points and their significance in optimization
  • Explore applications of quadratic functions in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate advanced optimization techniques, such as Lagrange multipliers
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, educators teaching optimization methods, and anyone interested in mathematical problem-solving techniques.

gfd43tg
Gold Member
Messages
949
Reaction score
48

Homework Statement


Problem is posted as image

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Hello,

I am having some confusion over what is meant by 'type in the boxes the minimum value of the expression'. Does that mean take the derivative of the function? Or does that mean the value at which the function is a minimum? That would be setting them all to zero

a) ##\underset \min{x} \hspace{0.05 in} x = ##

f(x) = x
f'(x) = 1
f'(x) = 0 at the minimum
1 \neq 0
\bar{x} = -\infty

b) ## \underset \min{x}\hspace{0.05 in}2x^2 = ##

f(x) = 2x^2
f'(x) = 4x
f'(x) = 0 at the minimum
4x = 0
\bar{x} = 0c) ##\underset \min{x} \hspace{0.05 in}x + 2x^2 = ##

f(x) = x + 2x^2
f'(x) = 4x + 1
f'(x) = 0 at the minimum
4x = -1
\bar{x} = -0.25

d) ##\underset \min{x}\hspace{0.05 in} 5 - x + 2x^2 = ##

f(x) = x + 2x^2
f'(x) = 4x - 1
f'(x) = 0 at the minimum
4x = 1
\bar{x} = 0.25
 

Attachments

  • minimization.jpg
    minimization.jpg
    20.4 KB · Views: 495
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It means to write the y value of the function that occurs at the minimum x value.
For the parabola

x+2x^2

the min occurs at x=-0.25 and hence the answer would be f(-0.25)=-0.25+2(-0.25)^2=-0.125
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thanks, got it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 105 ·
4
Replies
105
Views
11K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K