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Calculus/The most northwest point

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Expert: - 4/13/2008


Question
QUESTION: Hi Scotto,
If an irregular shape is represented by the coord. set [(x1,y1), (x2,y2)...(xn,yn)], how can its most northwest point be determined mathematically?
Thanks.

ANSWER: Unless more is known about how the points are chosen, there is no way to do it.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, the points may be chosen randomly. The shape could be a concave or convex figure. An example is a plot of land. Take a square as a simple example, it is obvious that the most northwest point is its top left corner but how can it be determined mathematically? Would it be the largest value of the double integration of the x and y coord.?
Thanks!

Answer
I don't see where an integral would do any good.

There is no way to find it mathemtically if the points are random.  ONe way to do it would be to put x,y into Excel and at the bottom of each column in row n+1 to put =max(A1:An) and then copy it over to Bn+1.

If you wanted to program it, have a function that returns the maximum value of two values.  Start by passing it x1,x2.  Return the answer and x3 and keep going until you pass it all n.  Do the same for y.

Since they are randomly chosen, I see no way of magically getting the maximum.

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Any kind of calculus question you want. I also have answered some questions in Physics (mass, momentum, falling bodies), Chemistry (charge, reactions, symbols, molecules), and Biology.

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Experience in the area: I have tutored students in all areas of mathematics for over 25 years. Education/Credentials: BSand MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where I completed sophomore course in Physics and Chemistry. I received both degrees with high honors. Awards and Honors: I have passed Actuarial tests 100, 110, and 135.

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