Difference between revisions of "1959 AHSME Problems/Problem 8"

(Created page with "The <math>x</math> value at which the minimum value of this quadratic occurs is <math>-\frac{-6}{2\cdot1}=3</math>. The minimum value of the quadratic is therefore at <cmath>3...")
 
(Add problem statement)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
== Problem ==
 +
 +
The value of <math>x^2-6x+13</math> can never be less than:
 +
 +
<math>\textbf{(A)}\ 4 \qquad
 +
\textbf{(B)}\ 4.5 \qquad
 +
\textbf{(C)}\ 5\qquad
 +
\textbf{(D)}\ 7\qquad
 +
\textbf{(E)}\ 13  </math> 
 +
 +
== Solution ==
 +
 
The <math>x</math> value at which the minimum value of this quadratic occurs is <math>-\frac{-6}{2\cdot1}=3</math>. The minimum value of the quadratic is therefore at
 
The <math>x</math> value at which the minimum value of this quadratic occurs is <math>-\frac{-6}{2\cdot1}=3</math>. The minimum value of the quadratic is therefore at
 
<cmath>3^2-6\cdot3+13</cmath>
 
<cmath>3^2-6\cdot3+13</cmath>

Revision as of 12:57, 16 July 2024

Problem

The value of $x^2-6x+13$ can never be less than:

$\textbf{(A)}\ 4 \qquad \textbf{(B)}\ 4.5 \qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 5\qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 7\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ 13$

Solution

The $x$ value at which the minimum value of this quadratic occurs is $-\frac{-6}{2\cdot1}=3$. The minimum value of the quadratic is therefore at \[3^2-6\cdot3+13\] \[=9-18+13\] \[=4.\] So, the answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(A)} \ 4}$.