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Re: Is this a problem in mathematica?

• To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
• Subject: [mg74622] Re: Is this a problem in mathematica?
• From: Johan Grönqvist <johan.gronqvist at gmail.com>
• Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:35:53 -0500 (EST)
• References: <eud3g1$l0t$1@smc.vnet.net>

traz skrev:
> Let's say I wanna solve this problem:
> 
> Determine point(s) on y = x^2 +1 that are
> closest to (0,2).
> 
> So in mathematica:
> 
> minDist = (x - 0)^2 + (y - 2)^2;
> Minimize[minDist, y == 1 + x^2, {x, y}]
> 
> Output will give you: x -> -1/Sqrt[2], y -> 3/2
> 
> but x also has another answer: +1/Sqrt[2]. Is this a problem in mathematica or can my code be changed to output the other value of x for the minimum distance?
> 


The help browser page on Minimize says "Even if the same minimum is 
achieved at several points, only one is returned. "

I think the problem might be solved by using FindMinimium, and starting 
from several different points.

/ johan

• Follow-Ups:
  • Re: Re: Is this a problem in mathematica?
    • From: Andrzej Kozlowski <akoz@mimuw.edu.pl>