If y= 4 + (x - 3)^2, then y is lowest when

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If y= 4 + (x - 3)^2, then y is lowest when

by M7MBA » Tue Jun 25, 2019 6:06 am

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If \(y= 4 + (x - 3)^2,\) then \(y\) is lowest when \(x =\)

A. 14
B. 13
C. 0
D. 3
E. 4

The OA is the option _D_

Source: Official Guide

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Jun 25, 2019 6:13 am
M7MBA wrote:If \(y= 4 + (x - 3)^2,\) then \(y\) is lowest when \(x =\)

A. 14
B. 13
C. 0
D. 3
E. 4
KEY CONCEPT: In order to minimize the value of y, we must minimize the value of (x -3)²

We know that (some number)² ≥ 0
So, the SMALLEST possible value of (some number)² is 0

Likewise, the SMALLEST possible value of (x -3)² is 0
(x -3)² = 0 when x = 3

Answer: D

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Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by Scott@TargetTestPrep » Mon Jul 01, 2019 4:48 pm
M7MBA wrote:If \(y= 4 + (x - 3)^2,\) then \(y\) is lowest when \(x =\)

A. 14
B. 13
C. 0
D. 3
E. 4

The OA is the option _D_

Source: Official Guide
SInce x - 3 is squared, we know that the smallest possible value of (x - 3)^2 is 0. Thus, when x = 3, the value of y will be the lowest.

Answer: D

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