Author |
Topic: Minimisation Problem (Read 807 times) |
|
ThudnBlunder
wu::riddles Moderator
Uberpuzzler
The dewdrop slides into the shining Sea
Gender: 
Posts: 4489
|
 |
Minimisation Problem
« on: Apr 17th, 2010, 10:00am » |
 Quote  Modify
|
Let x1 to xn be n points on the finite x-axis, where xi < xi+1 for i = 1 to n-1. Now pick another point on this axis and call it x.
For what value(s) of x is the sum |x - x1| + |x - x2| + ....... + |x - xn| minimised?
|
|
 IP Logged |
THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.....................................................................er, if that's all right with the rest of you.
|
|
|
Obob
Senior Riddler
Gender:
Posts: 489
|
|
Re: Minimisation Problem
« Reply #1 on: Apr 17th, 2010, 10:09am » |
Quote Modify
|
The solution is fundamentally different based on whether n is even or odd
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
rmsgrey
Uberpuzzler
    
Gender:
Posts: 2873
|
|
Re: Minimisation Problem
« Reply #2 on: Apr 17th, 2010, 1:56pm » |
Quote Modify
|
My first thought was that this problem is mean. Then I realised I was wrong. It's median
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
|
RIDDLES SITE
WRITE MATH!
Home 
Help 
Search 
Members 
Login 
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print