MHB S8.3.7.3. whose sum is a minimum

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To find two positive numbers whose product is 100 and whose sum is minimized, the correct approach involves defining the sum as S = x + y, where y = 100/x. The derivative of the sum function, S' = 1 - 100/x^2, is set to zero to find critical points, leading to S' = 0 at x = 10. This results in the two numbers being 10 and 10, yielding a minimum sum of 20. The discussion clarifies that the initial product definition was misinterpreted, emphasizing the importance of correctly establishing the relationship between the variables.
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S8.3.7.3.
Find two positive numbers whose product is 100 and whose sum is a minimum
$x(100-x)=100x-x^2=100$

So far

Looks like it's 10+10=20Doing all my lockdown homework here
since I have no access to WiFi and a PC.
and just a tablet where overkeaf does not work
 
Last edited:
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karush said:
S8.3.7.3.
Find two positive numbers whose product is 100 and whose sum is a minimum
$x(100-x)=100x-x^2=100$

So far

Looks like it's 10+10=20Doing all my lockdown homework here
since I have no access to WiFi and a PC.
and just a tablet where overkeaf does not work

The way you have defined the product implies that $\displaystyle x + y = 100 $, which it almost certainly doesn't.

You are told the product is 100, so $\displaystyle x\,y = 100 \implies y = \frac{100}{x} $.

The sum needs to be minimised, so your sum function is

$\displaystyle \begin{align*} S &= x + y \\ S &= x + \frac{100}{x} \end{align*} $

Now minimise the amount.
 
$S'=\left(x + \dfrac{100}{x}\right)' = 1 - \dfrac{100}{x^2}$
So
$S'(0)=10$
 
karush said:
$S'=\left(x + \dfrac{100}{x}\right)' = 1 - \dfrac{100}{x^2}$
So
$S'(0)=10$

No, $S'(0)$ is undefined ...

$S'(x) = 0$ at $x=10$
 
There are probably loads of proofs of this online, but I do not want to cheat. Here is my attempt: Convexity says that $$f(\lambda a + (1-\lambda)b) \leq \lambda f(a) + (1-\lambda) f(b)$$ $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (f(a) - f(b))$$ We know from the intermediate value theorem that there exists a ##c \in (b,a)## such that $$\frac{f(a) - f(b)}{a-b} = f'(c).$$ Hence $$f(b + \lambda(a-b)) \leq f(b) + \lambda (a - b) f'(c))$$ $$\frac{f(b + \lambda(a-b)) - f(b)}{\lambda(a-b)}...

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