Help on this optimization problem please!

Question

anonymous · Answer

Find the x-coordinate of the point on the curve $$y=\frac{ x^2 }{ 2 }$$ located at the shortest distance from the point (1,1).

chaise · Answer

You know the shortest distance between any two points is a straight line. 

This straight line mentioned above will be perpendicular to the line that is tangent to the line and also parallel to the point (1, 1)

Does this help at all or do you need more help?

amistre64 · Answer

parralel to the point? or passing thru the point?

chaise · Answer

Parralel to the point, the straight line that behaves as stated as above doesn't pass through (1, 1). The line that is perpendicular to that parralel line does though. 

I think this is right.

anonymous · Answer

I am still very, very confused..:(

amistre64 · Answer

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amistre64 · Answer

we want to minimize the function of the line hose slope is -1/f'(x), nd is anchored to the stated point

chaise · Answer

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