Function Min(x1, x2, ...)

Min

Min(
    x1,      ! (input) numerical, string or element expression
    x2,      ! (input) numerical, string or element expression
    ..
    )

• The Function Min, returns the minimum of its arguments.

• Not to be confused with the iterative operator, Min, which returns the minimum of all values iterated over.

Arguments

x1,x2,\(\dots\)

Multiple numerical, string or element expressions.

Return Value

The function Min returns the smallest number, the string lowest in the lexicographical ordering, or the element value with the lowest ordinal value, among \(x1,x2,\dots\)

Example

_s_names := data { John, Jack } ;
_p_values(_i_name) := data { John : 3, Jack : 4 } ;
_ep_name1 := 'John' ;
_ep_name2 := 'Jack' ;

_sp_name1 := formatString("%e", _ep_name1);
_sp_name2 := formatString("%e", _ep_name2);
_sp_names(_i_name) := formatString("%e", _i_name);

! For elements, ordering is based on their positions in the set.
_p_minFunc := min( _p_values( 'John' ), _p_values( 'Jack' ) ); ! returns 3
_p_minIter := min( _i_name, _p_values( _i_name ) ); ! returns 3

! For strings, ordering is the lexicographic ordering.
_ep_minFunc := min( _ep_name1, _ep_name2 ); ! returns 'John'.
_ep_minIter := min( _i_name, _i_name ); ! returns 'John'.

_sp_minFunc := min( _sp_name1, _sp_name2 ); ! returns "Jack"
_sp_minIter := min( _i_name, _sp_names(_i_name) );  ! returns "Jack"

Note

The function Min can be used in constraints of nonlinear mathematical programs. However, nonlinear solvers may experience convergence problems if the first order derivatives of two arguments between which the Min function switches are discontinous.

See also

The function Max. Arithmetic functions are discussed in full detail in Arithmetic Functions of the Language Reference.