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Puzzle: an absolute reader maximum conundrum

July 7, 2007 pm31 8:00 pm

The image “http://www.math.utah.edu/online/1010/shiftMachine/2.gif” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.Vlorbik, in yesterday’s discussion, threw out this little problem:

the absolute value can be defined in terms of the maximum function quite easily:
abs(x) := max{x, -x}.
but to define “max” in terms of “abs”takes a moment’s thought (or, in my case, several moments). give it a try!

I should mention, I did not find this one easy.

Do us a favor, and leave questions below, but put proposed solutions back here, so that others won’t see them by accident while they are still trying to solve. Thanks.

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4 Comments leave one →
  1. Jackie permalink
    July 7, 2007 pm31 10:17 pm 10:17 pm

    Uhm, I think I’m having a brain freeze, but I don’t see “the question” that needs a solution. I read it, re-read it, went to the grocery store, and reading it again, I still don’t see the question. Unless it is a proof of the statement you’re looking for?

    Help!

  2. July 7, 2007 pm31 10:35 pm 10:35 pm

    Write a definition of maximum that depends on absolute value.

    Vlorbik has given us an example the other way, how we can write a definition of absolute value that depends on maximum.

  3. Jackie permalink
    July 7, 2007 pm31 10:42 pm 10:42 pm

    Ahhhhh, thanks.

  4. November 10, 2009 am30 7:49 am 7:49 am

    nice!

    For more such challenging and brain teasing puzzles visit: http://tough-nut.blogspot.com/

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