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Formulate and solve algebraically, through optimal conditions first order, the problem of finding the point of the curve $x_{2} = x_{1}(3 − x_{1})$ that is closest to the point $(3 3)^{T}$. What is the guarantee that the point obtained is in fact the desired solution? Explain. Suggestion: explore the geometric visualization of the elements of the problem to assist you in algebraic analysis.

First part of the solution:

The proposed problem is equivalent to
minimize $(x_{1} − 3)^{2} + (x_{2} − 3)^{2}$
subject to $x^{2}_{1} − 3x^{1} + x_{2} = 0$.
My question is, how the author got there $f(x) =(x_{1} − 3)^{2} + (x_{2} − 3)^{2}$ ?

1 Answers1

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It's just the distance formula. When $\sqrt{f(x)}$ is minimised (write it out in terms of $x_1,x_2$), $f(x)$ is minimised as well.

Toby Mak
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