C fmin() Function

The fmin() function in C is a standard library function that returns the minimum of two given floating-point numbers. It is part of the C standard library (math.h). This function is useful for performing mathematical operations where the minimum value between two numbers is required.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. fmin() Function Syntax
  3. Understanding fmin() Function
  4. Examples
    • Finding the Minimum Value
    • Using fmin() with User Input
  5. Real-World Use Case
  6. Conclusion

Introduction

The fmin() function calculates the minimum of two given floating-point numbers ( x ) and ( y ). This function is widely used in mathematical computations and applications where the minimum value between two numbers is required.

fmin() Function Syntax

The syntax for the fmin() function is as follows:

#include <math.h>
double fmin(double x, double y);

Parameters:

  • x: The first floating-point value.
  • y: The second floating-point value.

Returns:

  • The function returns the minimum of x and y.

Understanding fmin() Function

The fmin() function takes two floating-point numbers ( x ) and ( y ) and returns the smaller of the two. If either value is NaN (Not-a-Number), the function returns the other value. If both values are NaN, the function returns NaN.

Examples

Finding the Minimum Value

To demonstrate how to use fmin() to find the minimum value between two numbers, we will write a simple program.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double x = 5.7;
    double y = 3.2;

    // Compute the minimum value
    double result = fmin(x, y);

    // Print the result
    printf("Minimum value between %.2f and %.2f is: %.2f\n", x, y, result);

    return 0;
}

Output:

Minimum value between 5.70 and 3.20 is: 3.20

Using fmin() with User Input

This example shows how to use fmin() to find the minimum value between two numbers provided by the user.

Example

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double x, y;

    // Get user input for the values
    printf("Enter the value for x: ");
    scanf("%lf", &x);
    printf("Enter the value for y: ");
    scanf("%lf", &y);

    // Compute the minimum value
    double result = fmin(x, y);

    // Print the result
    printf("Minimum value between %.2f and %.2f is: %.2f\n", x, y, result);

    return 0;
}

Output (example user input x "2.5" and y "3.8"):

Enter the value for x: 2.5
Enter the value for y: 3.8
Minimum value between 2.50 and 3.80 is: 2.50

Real-World Use Case

Determining Minimum Scores in a Game

In real-world applications, the fmin() function can be used to determine the minimum score between two players in a game, ensuring that the lowest score is always identified.

Example: Determining Minimum Score

#include <stdio.h>
#include <math.h>

int main() {
    double player1_score, player2_score;
    double min_score;

    // Get user input for the scores of the two players
    printf("Enter the score for Player 1: ");
    scanf("%lf", &player1_score);
    printf("Enter the score for Player 2: ");
    scanf("%lf", &player2_score);

    // Determine the minimum score
    min_score = fmin(player1_score, player2_score);

    // Print the result
    printf("The minimum score between Player 1 and Player 2 is: %.2f\n", min_score);

    return 0;
}

Output (example user input player1_score "85.5" and player2_score "92.0"):

Enter the score for Player 1: 85.5
Enter the score for Player 2: 92.0
The minimum score between Player 1 and Player 2 is: 85.50

Conclusion

The fmin() function is essential for finding the minimum value between two floating-point numbers in C. It is useful in various mathematical calculations, particularly in fields like finance, engineering, and gaming, where determining the minimum value is important.

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