Find Min Value of Expression: $\prod_{i=1}^{2017}x_i$

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In summary, the purpose of finding the minimum value of this expression is to determine the smallest possible result of multiplying a series of numbers together. This is calculated by taking the smallest value and raising it to the power of 2017. The minimum value cannot be negative because all numbers are positive. The number 2017 is the upper limit of the series being multiplied. The minimum value can be used in real-world applications such as optimization and probability calculations.
  • #1
lfdahl
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If $x_1,x_2,...,x_{2017} \in\Bbb{R}_+$
and $\frac{1}{1+x_1}+\frac{1}{1+x_2}+...+\frac{1}{1+x_{2017}} = 1$
- then find the minimal possible value of the expression: \[\prod_{i=1}^{2017}x_i\]
 
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  • #2
My solution:

By cyclic symmetry, we know the critical value is at the point:

\(\displaystyle \left(x_1,\cdots,x_{2017}\right)=(2016,\cdots,2016)\)

And the objection function at that point is:

\(\displaystyle f(2016,\cdots,2016)=2016^{2017}\)

Now, looking at another point on the constraint:

\(\displaystyle \left(4032,4032,\cdots,4032,\frac{2016}{2017}\right)\)

We find the objective function at that point is:

\(\displaystyle f\left(4032,4032,\cdots,4032,\frac{2016}{2017}\right)=\frac{2^{2016}2016^{2017}}{2017}>2016^{2017}\)

And so we conclude:

\(\displaystyle f_{\min}=2016^{2017}\)
 
  • #3
MarkFL said:
My solution:

By cyclic symmetry, we know the critical value is at the point:

\(\displaystyle \left(x_1,\cdots,x_{2017}\right)=(2016,\cdots,2016)\)

And the objection function at that point is:

\(\displaystyle f(2016,\cdots,2016)=2016^{2017}\)

Now, looking at another point on the constraint:

\(\displaystyle \left(4032,4032,\cdots,4032,\frac{2016}{2017}\right)\)

We find the objective function at that point is:

\(\displaystyle f\left(4032,4032,\cdots,4032,\frac{2016}{2017}\right)=\frac{2^{2016}2016^{2017}}{2017}>2016^{2017}\)

And so we conclude:

\(\displaystyle f_{\min}=2016^{2017}\)

Thankyou, MarkFL for your correct solution!:cool:
 

FAQ: Find Min Value of Expression: $\prod_{i=1}^{2017}x_i$

What is the purpose of finding the minimum value of this expression?

The purpose of finding the minimum value of this expression is to determine the smallest possible result that can be obtained by multiplying a series of numbers together, starting from 1 and increasing up to 2017.

How is the minimum value of this expression calculated?

The minimum value of this expression is calculated by taking the smallest value of x_i (the numbers being multiplied) and raising it to the power of 2017. This is because in order to get the smallest possible result, we want to minimize the largest number in the expression.

Can the minimum value of this expression be negative?

No, the minimum value of this expression cannot be negative. This is because all the numbers being multiplied are positive, and raising a positive number to an even power will always result in a positive number.

What is the significance of the number 2017 in this expression?

The number 2017 is simply the upper limit of the series of numbers being multiplied. This means that we are multiplying 2017 numbers together, starting from 1 and increasing up to 2017. The larger this number is, the larger the resulting value will be.

How can the minimum value of this expression be used in real-world applications?

The minimum value of this expression can be used in various real-world applications such as optimization problems, where the goal is to minimize a certain value. It can also be used in probability calculations, where the minimum value represents the lowest possible outcome of a series of independent events.

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