1970 AHSME Problems/Problem 6
Problem
The smallest value of for real values of is
Solution
Let's imagine this as a quadratic equation. To find the minimum or maximum value, we always need to find the vertex of the quadratic equation. The vertex of the quadratic is in . Then to find the output, or the y value of the quadratic, we plug the vertex "x" value back into the equation. In this quadratic, a=1, b=8, and c=0. So the "x" value is . Plugging it back into , we get
See also
1970 AHSC (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 5 |
Followed by Problem 7 | |
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