Examine the table:

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
x & f(x) \\
\hline
-2 & -8 \\
\hline
-1 & -3 \\
\hline
0 & -2 \\
\hline
1 & 4 \\
\hline
2 & 1 \\
\hline
3 & 3 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]

What ordered pair is closest to a local minimum of the function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex]?

A. [tex]\((-1, -3)\)[/tex]

B. [tex]\((0, -2)\)[/tex]

C. [tex]\((1, 4)\)[/tex]

D. [tex]\((2, 1)\)[/tex]



Answer :

To determine the ordered pair closest to a local minimum from the table of values, follow these steps:

1. Understand the Concept of Local Minimum:
A local minimum of a function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] occurs at a point [tex]\( x \)[/tex] where the function value [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is lower than that of its immediate neighbors.

2. Identify and Examine Each Point:
Let’s look at each point and compare it to its neighbors.

- Point (-2, -8): It doesn't have a left neighbor to compare, so it's not considered.
- Point (-1, -3):
[tex]\[ \text{Left neighbor} = (-2, -8), \quad \text{Right neighbor} = (0, -2) \][/tex]
[tex]\( -3 \)[/tex] is greater than [tex]\( -8 \)[/tex] and less than [tex]\( -2 \)[/tex], so it is not a local minimum.

- Point (0, -2):
[tex]\[ \text{Left neighbor} = (-1, -3), \quad \text{Right neighbor} = (1, 4) \][/tex]
[tex]\( -2 \)[/tex] is greater than [tex]\( -3 \)[/tex] and less than [tex]\( 4 \)[/tex], so it is not a local minimum.

- Point (1, 4):
[tex]\[ \text{Left neighbor} = (0, -2), \quad \text{Right neighbor} = (2, 1) \][/tex]
[tex]\( 4 \)[/tex] is greater than [tex]\( -2 \)[/tex] and greater than [tex]\( 1 \)[/tex], so it is not a local minimum.

- Point (2, 1):
[tex]\[ \text{Left neighbor} = (1, 4), \quad \text{Right neighbor} = (3, 3) \][/tex]
[tex]\( 1 \)[/tex] is less than [tex]\( 4 \)[/tex] and less than [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex], so it is a local minimum.

- Point (3, 3): It doesn't have a right neighbor to compare, so it's not considered.

3. Determine the Local Minimum:
Based on the above analysis, the point (2, 1) satisfies the condition of a local minimum because its value is less than the values of its immediate neighbors.

Therefore, the ordered pair closest to a local minimum of the function [tex]\( f(x) \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ (2, 1) \][/tex]

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