Sum of distances the same as the former

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a point on the OX axis that minimizes the sum of distances to two landmarks, (2, 0) and (0, 3). Participants explore the mathematical formulation of the problem, derivatives, and potential errors in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the point minimizing the sum of distances is (2, 0) but expresses uncertainty about their calculations.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem is similar to a previous question and encourages sharing of work to identify errors.
  • Multiple participants discuss the derivative of the distance function, with some asserting that the derivative of the absolute value function is not simply 1, depending on the sign of the input.
  • There is a discussion about the minimum value of the absolute value function, with some participants mistakenly suggesting that -1 is the minimum.
  • One participant acknowledges a mistake in not considering the absolute value in their calculations, leading to confusion about the correct answer.
  • Another participant points out that the derivative of the distance function is undefined at certain points and discusses the implications for finding the minimum.
  • Concerns are raised about the correctness of the derivative calculations, with some participants questioning why their derivatives yield no answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the correct approach to deriving the minimum distance, with no consensus reached on the correct derivative or the final answer. Disagreements persist regarding the treatment of absolute values and the implications for the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations in their understanding of derivatives, particularly concerning absolute values and the conditions under which derivatives are defined. There is also mention of specific cases where the derivative behaves differently.

leprofece
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find a point on the axis OX whose sum of distances to landmarks: (2, 0) and (0, 3) is minimal.

Answer (2,0)

As the title says it is the same as the former
So the equations must be
sqrt((x-2)2+02)+sqrt((x-0)2+ 9) because the point is (x.0)

but it seems I am wrong because i don't get the answer
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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You should get the given answer. But, since you did not post your work, I can't tell you where you may have gone wrong. It is worked very similarly to the last question you posted.
 
MarkFL said:
You should get the given answer. But, since you did not post your work, I can't tell you where you may have gone wrong. It is worked very similarly to the last question you posted.

THIS IS MY WORK
So the equations must be
sqrt((x-2)2+02)+sqrt((x-0)2+ 9) because the point is (x.0)

After deriving i got 1 + x/(sqrt(x2+9)
And I got No answer

but it seems I am wrong because i don't get the answer
 
Last edited by a moderator:
leprofece said:
So the equations must be
sqrt((x-2)2+02)+sqrt((x-0)2+ 9) because the pòint is (x.0)

After deriving i got 1 + x/(sqrt(x2+9)
And I got No answer

but it seems I am wrong because i don't get the answer

That is not quite the right derivative.
The derivative of $\sqrt{(x-2)^2} = |x-2|$ is not just $1$.
Its derivative depends on the sign of $(x-2)$.
Consider the function:
$$g(x)=\sqrt{x^2} = |x|$$
Its derivative is:
$$g'(x)=\begin{cases}
-1 &\text{ if } x < 0 \\
\text{Undefined} &\text{ if } x = 0 \\
+1 &\text{ if } x > 0 \end{cases}$$

Where does $g(x)$ have its minimum?
 
En -1?
 
leprofece said:
En -1?

Huh? :confused:

Do you mean $x=-1$?

If so, then $|x|=|-1|=1$, which is not the minimum value for $|x|$...
 
I like Serena said:
Huh? :confused:

Do you mean $x=-1$?

If so, then $|x|=|-1|=1$, which is not the minimum value for $|x|$...

ZERO then i did not take into account the absolute value (Heidy)(Angry)

And Abs( 0-2) is 2
so (Priidu) this is the answer
 
leprofece said:
ZERO then i did not take into account the absolute value (Heidy)(Angry)

Good!

Note that the derivative of g(x) is undefined at 0.
What actually happens is that the derivative flips from a negative value to a positive value.
At the point where it flips, we have the minimum.

The same applies to your problem.
 
I realize that the second Function wasnt taken into account so That is sqrt (x2 +9)
WHY?
I Think because x / sqrt( ,,,) = 0 it is equal to 0
Am i right??

So the equations must be
sqrt((x-2)2+02)+sqrt((x-0)2+ 9) because the pòint is (x.0)

After deriving i got 1 + x/(sqrt(x2+9)
And I got No answer

but it seems I am wrong because i don't get the answer
 
  • #10
leprofece said:
After deriving i got 1 + x/(sqrt(x2+9)
And I got No answer

but it seems I am wrong because i don't get the answer

This is not the correct derivative.
It is only correct for $x>2$.
And then the derivative is always positive.
 
  • #11
But Why isnot correct
x/sqrt(...) is the deivative of the other
maybe because if I equate to 0 I get 0?
 
  • #12
leprofece said:
But Why isnot correct
x/sqrt(...) is the deivative of the other
maybe because if I equate to 0 I get 0?

The derivative of $\sqrt{(x-2)^2}$ is not $1$.
 

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