Minimum value of the expression

1. Jul 17, 2014

Maylis

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Problem is posted as image

2. Relevant equations

3. 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
$4x = 0$
$\bar{x} = 0$

c) $\underset \min{x} \hspace{0.05 in}x + 2x^2 =$

$f(x) = x + 2x^2$
$f'(x) = 4x + 1$
$f'(x) = 0$ 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
$4x = 1$
$\bar{x} = 0.25$

Attached Files:

• minimization.jpg
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Last edited: Jul 17, 2014
2. Jul 17, 2014

Mentallic

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 $$f(-0.25)=-0.25+2(-0.25)^2=-0.125$$

3. Jul 17, 2014

Maylis

Thanks, got it.