Math functions MIN to get lowest numbers between several numbers or array of numbers

Find the lowest value with min()

min() returns the lowest value from the supplied arguments or from an array.

$temperatures = [28.4, 25.7, 31.2, 26.1];
echo min($temperatures); // 25.7

This is the recommended starting pattern. The detailed examples below are retained and modernized for additional variations and explanation.

echo min(4,8,2); // 2 
echo "<br>";
echo min(5,-1,0); // -1
echo "<br>";
echo min(2,0,-3); //-3
echo "<br>";
echo min(array(4,6,1)); // 1
echo "<br>";

echo min('plus2net',5,-2);// -2
echo "<br>";
echo min('abcd',5,0);// 0
echo "<br>";
echo min('hello', 1); // 1

echo "<br><BR>";
echo min(0, 'hello');     // 0
echo "<br>";
echo min('hello', 0);     // 0

Syntax

MIN(value1,value2,value3 .....)

We can get minimum value or lowest number between two variables or two numbers by using man() function. .

<?Php
echo min(-5.8,5,44,-56); //Output is -56
?>

MIN function with String

Strings are treated as 0 while comparing.
When two equal values are there the order decides which is minimum or lowest.

<?Php
min('plus2net',-1);  // Output is -1
min('plus2net',0); // Output is  plus2net
min('plus2net',1); // Output is  plus2net
?>

Here the output may change with PHP version.

MIN function with Array

<?Php 
echo min(array(-6,8,-22,3,15,-5)); //Output is -22
?>

Example: Finding the Minimum of Multiple Arguments

$min_value = min(3, 9, 2, 5, 10);
echo $min_value;  // Output: 2

Example: Finding Minimum Value in an Array

$numbers = [12, 45, 3, 9, 27];
echo min($numbers);  // Output: 3

Example: Comparing Strings

$result = min("apple", "banana", "cherry");
echo $result;  // Output: apple (based on lexicographic order)

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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