Is there a clear numerical definition of the word MINIMUM???

[Elgin Clock]

I'm not sure whether this would be better suited for the Math/Science forum, or even a philosphy forum if we had one.. lol
So, if someone wants to move it feel free.

Anyways, on to my question.

I was thinking the other day of something off the wall as I was driving down the highway, and that got me to ask the question about the definition of the word minimum.

We all know what numerical value minimum has when it's clearly spelled out, but if it is not cleary spelled out, then what is the numerical value for minimum?

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/minimum

For example: Let's say we had the (false) statement: "The minimum allowed age of a participant to compete in FIRST is 15 years old"

15 years old is clearly definied as the minimum age in the "the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like" of ages of a participants in FIRST in that scenario.

Now, what if I said the quote: "There is no Minimum age required to participate in FIRST?

Since in this scenario, we all assume our age to start at birth, does that mean you have to be >1 second old to participate in FIRST and reap the rewards?

Or... could an unborn baby truely participate in FIRST, and have a name in a brochure for example.


Obviously this is not where I am going with this, and I know that's a really random example to throw out there to ask the question, but just felt this scenario would bring up the question regarding what the numerical value of the word minimum is in a way everyone in FIRST could undertand.

So... whats the numerical value of Minimum when it's not plainly apparent by the way it is worded?

[efoote868]

when it is not defined, the minimum is -∞

[Lil' Lavery]

As just mentioned, unless given further information, the minimum is -∞. If you are given a certain domain/range that may adjust it, as could the function itself (if it never reaches -∞ for whatever reason).
In the scalar world, it's zero (unless the function never reaches 0).

[GaryVoshol]

When you have a statement such as, "There is no minimum age", that does not mean that the minimum age defined is some abitrarily small number. Rather, it is just what it says - it is not defined. Null, which is different than zero.

My algebra teacher always got mad (jokingly) at Ernie Harwell, the legendary Tigers announcer. He had a shtick line that went, "And at the end of 3, we have no score." My teacher said, yes there was a score - it was 0 to 0! He used this as an example of the difference between zero and null.