Difference between revisions of "2010 AIME I Problems/Problem 6"
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=== Solution 2 === | === Solution 2 === | ||
− | It can be seen that the function <math>P(x)</math> must be in the form <math> | + | It can be seen that the function <math>P(x)</math> must be in the form <math>P(x) = ax^2 - 2ax + c</math> for some real <math>a</math> and <math>c</math>. This is because the [[derivative]] of <math>P(x)</math> is <math>2ax - 2a</math>, and a global minimum occurs only at <math>x = 1</math> (alternatively, the minimum occurs when <math>x = 1 = -b/[2a]</math>). Substituting <math>(1,1)</math> and <math>(11, 181)</math> we obtain two equations: |
<center><math>P(11) = 99a + c = 181</math>, and <math>P(1) = -a + c = 1</math>.</center> | <center><math>P(11) = 99a + c = 181</math>, and <math>P(1) = -a + c = 1</math>.</center> |
Revision as of 17:00, 18 March 2010
Problem
Let be a quadratic polynomial with real coefficients satisfying for all real numbers , and suppose . Find .
Contents
[hide]Solution
Solution 1
Let , . Completing the square, we have , and , so it follows that for all (by the Trivial Inequality).
Also, , so , and obtains its minimum at the point . Then must be of the form for some constant ; substituting yields . Finally, .
Solution 2
It can be seen that the function must be in the form for some real and . This is because the derivative of is , and a global minimum occurs only at (alternatively, the minimum occurs when ). Substituting and we obtain two equations:
Solving, we get and , so . Therefore, .
See also
2010 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 5 |
Followed by Problem 7 | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 | ||
All AIME Problems and Solutions |