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# If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value

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Retired Moderator
Joined: 07 Jun 2014
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If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value [#permalink]  15 Apr 2018, 03:51
Expert's post
00:00

Question Stats:

49% (00:57) correct 49% (00:55) wrong based on 14 sessions
If $$y = x^2 - 32x + 256$$, then what is the least possible value of y ?

A. 256
B. 32
C. 16
D. 8
E. 0

Drill 2
Question: 12
Page: 512
[Reveal] Spoiler: OA

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Sandy
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Active Member
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Re: If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value [#permalink]  18 Apr 2018, 02:24
1
KUDOS
Among the answer choices $$0$$ is the smallest option.
if $$Y = 0$$ we have a quadratic eqn which when factorized gives
$$(x-16)^2 = 0$$
Therefore when $$x = 16; y= 0$$
option E
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Retired Moderator
Joined: 07 Jun 2014
Posts: 4803
GRE 1: Q167 V156
WE: Business Development (Energy and Utilities)
Followers: 173

Kudos [?]: 2977 [0], given: 394

Re: If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value [#permalink]  22 Apr 2018, 12:27
Expert's post
Explanation

First, factor the quadratic equation: $$x2 - 32x + 256 = (x - 16)^2$$.

Any quantity squared is either positive or zero. To minimize the expression (x – 16)2 and the value of y, let x = 16, so that y = 0. The answer is choice (E).
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Sandy
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Manager
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Re: If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value [#permalink]  17 Jul 2018, 12:41
sandy wrote:
If $$y = x^2 - 32x + 256$$, then what is the least possible value of y ?

A. 256
B. 32
C. 16
D. 8
E. 0

Drill 2
Question: 12
Page: 512

Given

$$y = x^2 - 32x + 256$$

Carefully analyzing the equation it's clear that the value of x^2 will finally be added to 256. In order to have less least value for y , x has to be minimum.

Option E fits.
Re: If y = x2 – 32x + 256, then what is the least possible value   [#permalink] 17 Jul 2018, 12:41
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