Question

The sum of two positive numbers is 588. minimize the sum of the first and three times the second

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

  {587, 1}

Step-by-step explanation:

The sum will be minimized when the second number is as close to zero as is allowed. If the numbers must be positive integers, the sum is minimized when the numbers are {587, 1}.

If the numbers may be real numbers, then the values that minimize the sum are {588-, 0+}

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The "cost" of taking a unit from the sum 588 and assigning it to the second number is that the sum of first and 3 times the second goes up by 3. In order to minimize that sum, the second number must be minimized.