ADEC is a rectangle with |C| = 7 m
and |D| = 2 m, as shown - Leaving Cert Mathematics - Question b - 2014
Question b
ADEC is a rectangle with |C| = 7 m
and |D| = 2 m, as shown.
B is a point on |AC| such that |AB| = 5 m.
P is a point on |DE| such that |DP| = x m.
(i) Let $f(x) = |P... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:ADEC is a rectangle with |C| = 7 m
and |D| = 2 m, as shown - Leaving Cert Mathematics - Question b - 2014
Step 1
Let $f(x) = |PA|^2 + |PB|^2 + |PC|^2$
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Answer
To find f(x), we first calculate the distances:
Calculate the length |PA|:
|PA| = |PD| + |DA| = x + 2
Calculate the length |PB|:
Since B is at (5, 0) and P is (x, 2), using the distance formula:
∣PB∣=(5−x)2+(0−2)2=(5−x)2+4
Calculate length |PC|:
|PC| = |PE| + |EC| = (7 - x) + 2 = 9 - x
Now substituting into the function:
f(x)=(x+2)2+((5−x)2+4)2+(9−x)2
f(x)=(x2+4x+4)+((5−x)2+4)+(9−2x+x2)
Expanding and simplifying:
=x2+4x+4+(25−10x+x2+4)+(81−18x+x2)=3x2−24x+86
Step 2
The function $f(x)$ has a minimum value at $x = k$
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Answer
To find the minimum value of f(x), we differentiate it:
Find the first derivative:
f′(x)=6x−24
Set the first derivative to zero to find the critical points:
6x−24=0⟹x=4
Confirm that it is a minimum by checking the second derivative:
f′′(x)=6>0
This confirms a local minimum at x=4.
Find the minimum value of f(x):
f(4)=3(4)2−24(4)+86=48−96+86=38
Thus, k=4 and the minimum value of f(x) is 38.
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