How close does the curve y=1/x come to the origin? (Hint: Find the point on the curve that minimizes the square of the distance between the origin and the point on the curve. If you use the square of the distance instead of the distance, you avoid dealing with square roots.)?

Question

zarkon · Answer

$$D^2=x^2+y^2$$

minimize $$D^2$$ subject to $$y=1/x$$

anonymous · Answer

Can you explain a bit more?

zarkon · Answer

replace y with 1/x in D^2

diff with respect to x

solve equal to zero

anonymous · Answer

Okay, thanks. 2 down, 3 more to go!