Find the minimum without Calculus or Graphing

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the minimum value of the function ƒ(ß)=.5sec(ß) + √[1+(sec2(ß)/4)+tan(ß)/√(2)] without using calculus or graphing techniques. Participants explore various methods to approach the problem, including simplification and numerical analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using trigonometric identities to simplify the function before attempting to find the minimum.
  • Another participant questions the formulation of the function, proposing an alternative representation that includes trigonometric terms.
  • A different participant provides specific function values at certain angles, indicating that ƒ(π/12) yields approximately 1.73 and ƒ(0) gives about 1.62, prompting a check on the validity of the proposed minimum at π/12.
  • One suggestion involves creating a large table of values with small step sizes to identify the three lowest adjacent values, followed by fitting these values to a quadratic function to find the minimum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to find the minimum or the accuracy of the proposed minimum value at π/12. Multiple approaches are discussed, and uncertainty remains regarding the correctness of the function's evaluation at specific points.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the function's behavior and the accuracy of the numerical values provided. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in confirming the minimum value.

patrickbotros
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Poster is on a 10-day vacation from the PF for repeatedly misplacing schoolwork type questions
ƒ(ß)=.5sec(ß) + √[1+(sec2(ß)/4)+tan(ß)/√(2)]
Without graphing it or using calculus find the minimum. I already know the answer but want to know how to do it. It s at π/12 and is something like 1.5.
First off this is NOT a homework problem. I already know the answer is something like 1.5 at π/12 but I want to know how to do it. DONT PUT THIS IN A HOMEWORK SECTION.
 
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Perhaps one can use trig identities to simplify it first.
 
I'd like to know the actual function. Probably not
patrickbotros said:
ƒ(ß)=.5sec(ß) + √[1+(sec2(ß)/4)+tan(ß)/√(2)]
or, as we write it here $$ {1\over 2\cos\beta}+ \sqrt{ 1 + {1\over 4 \cos^2\beta} + {1\over \sqrt 2}\tan\beta} $$ surely ?
 
Probably not.
f(Pi/12)=1.73
f(0)=1.62

@OP
Have you checked if the Pi/12 and 1.5 satisfy the expression?
 
Make a large table of values at small step size.

Pick the three lowest adjacent values.

Fit to a quadratic.

Use the standard formula for the minimum of a parabola opening upward.
 

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