A real number M is squared to give the value N. What is the minimum value of (M + N) ?
- AOption (a)
-0·25
- BOption (b)
-0·50
- COption (c)
0
- DOption (d)
0·25
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Correct answer
-0·25
Why this answer is correct
Given:
A real number M is squared to give the value N. Find the minimum value of (M + N).
Formula used:
N = M2
Minimize (M + N) = M + M2
Calculation:
Let f(M) = M + M2
To find the minimum value, take the derivative and set it to zero:
f'(M) = 1 + 2M
⇒ 1 + 2M = 0
⇒ M = -0.5
Substitute M = -0.5 into f(M):
f(M) = M + M2
⇒ f(-0.5) = (-0.5) + (-0.5)2
⇒ f(-0.5) = -0.5 + 0.25
⇒ f(-0.5) = -0.25
∴ The minimum value of (M + N) is -0.25, and the correct answer is option 1.