How Do You Find the Minimum Length of Segment AB in a Coordinate Plane?

You can minimize (length)2 instead of length and get the same result. Now minimize (length)2 by setting its derivative equal to 0 and solve for X. good luck!In summary, the conversation is about finding the minimum length of a line segment AB that passes through the point (2,2) and intersects the x- and y-axes at points A and B respectively. The person asking for help is stuck and mentions that they know the minimum length occurs when the derivative of the function is greater than 0, but they haven't defined the function or provided enough information. Another person suggests using similar triangles or writing the equation of the line to find the minimum length and gives a hint to minimize the
  • #1
dsb_101
5
0
A line through the point (2,2) cuts the x- and y- axes at points A and B respectively. Find the Minimum length of the segment AB.

Im really stuck on this problem. I know that minimum lengh is when f'>0.

Could you guys give me a lift off here?

ty
 
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  • #2
Haven't I seen this problem before? :)
 
  • #3
http://www.twilightus.net/adam/optimization.JPG
I think this image is self explanatory and should get you off to a good start.

BTW, this is only one way of doing it, and there are many!

Now you have one defined length, and you can get everything else with this, good luck!
 
  • #4
dsb_101 said:
A line through the point (2,2) cuts the x- and y- axes at points A and B respectively. Find the Minimum length of the segment AB.
Im really stuck on this problem. I know that minimum lengh is when f'>0.
ty
No, you don't know that- that makes no sense because you haven't said what f is. It is also true that the minimum (or maximum) of any function occurs when the derivative of that function is equal[\b] to 0 (not > 0).

So first decide what function you want to minimize. One way to do that is to look at moose's picture and think about similar triangles. Another is to assume the x-intercept of the line is at (X, 0) (X is some unknown constant) and write the equation of the line.

Hint: Since length is always positive, length will be a minimum when (length)2 is minimum.
 

FAQ: How Do You Find the Minimum Length of Segment AB in a Coordinate Plane?

What is meant by "Minimum length is when f'>0"?

This statement means that the minimum length of a function occurs when its derivative, or rate of change, is greater than 0. In other words, the function is increasing at its minimum point.

Why is it important to consider the derivative when finding the minimum length of a function?

The derivative tells us the rate of change of a function at any given point. When the derivative is greater than 0, it indicates that the function is increasing and therefore, the point is a minimum. This helps us identify the exact location of the minimum length of a function.

Can a function have multiple points where f'>0 and therefore, multiple minimum lengths?

Yes, it is possible for a function to have multiple points where its derivative is greater than 0. In these cases, each point would represent a local minimum length, but only one point would be the absolute minimum length of the function.

How does the concept of minimum length relate to real-life applications?

In real-life applications, the concept of minimum length can be used to optimize processes and minimize costs. For example, in manufacturing, companies want to find the minimum length of materials needed to produce a product in order to reduce waste and save money.

Are there any exceptions to the rule that "Minimum length is when f'>0"?

Yes, there are some cases where the minimum length of a function does not occur when its derivative is greater than 0. This can happen when the function has a discontinuity or when the function is not differentiable at the point of interest.

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