What is the maximum of x and y?

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The discussion centers on understanding the concept of the "maximum" in relation to a set of numbers, specifically {x, y}. It explores whether x and y are independent variables and how they relate to the local maximum on a curve. The conversation highlights that a maximum occurs at a stationary point where the gradient is zero, using examples from quadratic functions to illustrate minimum and maximum points. The conclusion clarifies that the maximum of {x, y} is determined by comparing the two values, resulting in x if x is greater than or equal to y, and y otherwise. This explanation provides clarity on the mathematical definition and application of maximum in different contexts.
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What is the "maximum"

I don't understand what this is supposed to mean when used with a set of numbers like:

maximum of {x,y}

Can anybody help?
 
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Are x and y independent variables?
 
Plot these numbers as a smooth line:

-1,-1
0,0
1,-1

What is the local maximum around x=0?
 
Is {x,y} a set of coordinates on the curve? Or are they the actual point of the relative maximum.
 
Well if you mean extremas, then you {x,y} must be a stationary point where the gradient of the tangent is equal to 0.

If so, then it is talking about the nature of the curve. An example is:
consider the graphs of the following...
y=x^2, at x=0, it is a minimum stationary point.
y=-x^2, at x=0, it is a maximum stationary point.
 
ghostchaox said:
I don't understand what this is supposed to mean when used with a set of numbers like:

maximum of {x,y}

Can anybody help?

Based on what you wrote,

maximum of {x,y} =
x, if x>=y
y, otherwise
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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