Minimizing x in "(A+Bx)/(1-e^(-βx))-(B/β)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around minimizing the expression {(A+Bx)/(1-e^(-βx))}-(B/β) under the constraint x/(1-e^(-βx)) - (1/β) ≤ T. Participants explore the nature of the function, the implications of the constraint, and methods for finding the minimum value of x.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the function remains linear when the denominator is added, noting that the equation is a straight increasing line when plotted.
  • Another participant asserts that the function does not remain linear and suggests setting the derivative to zero to find minimum values, indicating that the graph may not have local maxima or minima.
  • A participant expresses confusion about the constraint and requests clarification on how to incorporate it into the optimization process.
  • One participant derives a form of the derivative and proposes a potential solution for x, but questions how to consider the constraint in their calculations.
  • Another participant introduces the Kuhn-Tucker conditions as a method to incorporate the constraint into the minimization problem.
  • One participant presents a different derivative equation and notes that the solution may depend on the constants involved, while also pointing out a syntax error in the constraint expression.
  • Several participants engage in refining the expressions and conditions necessary for solving the minimization problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the function and the correct approach to incorporate the constraint. There is no consensus on a single method for solving the problem, and multiple competing views remain regarding the derivation and implications of the constraint.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential syntax errors in the constraint and highlight the need for careful consideration of the constants involved in the equations. The discussion reflects various interpretations of the mathematical expressions and their implications for the optimization problem.

techiejan
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How to minimize the following:
{(A+Bx)/(1-e^(-βx))}-(B/β)

Subject to : x/(1-e^(-βx)))- (1/β)≤ T

I need the find the value of x. All A,B,T and β are constants. The numerator is linear. I don't know if the equation remains linear when the denominator is added. When plotted, the equation is a straight increasing line starting from 0. Any help please?
 
Last edited:
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All linear equations are of the form "y= Ax+ B" so, no, this does not "remain linear when the denominator is added". The "standard method" of finding minimum values is to set the derivative equal to 0. Here, if I have done the calculations correctly, that reduces to [tex](1- x)e^{\beta x}= 1[/tex] which would be best solved graphically. In fact, the graph of this function looks to me like it does not have any local max or min.
 

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techiejan said:
Subject to : x/(1-e^(βx)))- (1/β)≤ T
This bit doesn't make sense. Please clarify. (Look at your parentheses.)) :wink:
 
Last edited:
Thanks HallsofIvy. So let me get this correctly...for the above optimization, we just take derivative of the objective function? How do we incorporate the constraint in that case?

In my case derivation of the objective function yields e^(βx)-βx=1-(βA)/B. And then considering 1/β is large, I get x=√(2A/βB). But then I do not consider the constraint at all?
 
I really need this problem solved. Some help please.
 
[tex]f(x) = \frac{A+Bx}{1-e^\textrm{ β x}} - \frac{B}{β}[/tex]
[tex]f'(x) = \frac{B(1-e^\textrm{ β x}) + βe^\textrm{ β x}(A+Bx)}{(1-e^\textrm{ β x})^{2}}[/tex]
[tex]f'(x) = 0 = \frac{B-Be^\textrm{ β x} + Aβe^\textrm{ β x}+Bxβe^\textrm{ β x}}{(1-e^\textrm{ β x})^{2}}[/tex]
[tex]B-Be^\textrm{ β x} + Aβe^\textrm{ β x}+Bxβe^\textrm{ β x} = 0[/tex]
[tex]Be^\textrm{ -β x} - B + Aβ+Bxβ = 0[/tex]
[tex]B(e^\textrm{ -β x} + βx) = B - Aβ[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{e^\textrm{ β x}} + βx = 1 - \frac{Aβ}{B}[/tex]
 
Thanks Math man,

But how do I incorporate the constraint ?
 
Sorry, I forgot about the constraint. You can use Kuhn-Tucker conditions:
[tex]f(x) = \frac{A+Bx}{1-e^\textrm{ β x}} - \frac{B}{β}[/tex]
[tex]g(x) = \frac{x}{1-e^\textrm{ β x}} - \frac{1}{β}[/tex]
[tex]g(x) ≤ T[/tex]
The Kuhn-Tucker conditions for minimizing single variable functions are:
[tex]0 = -f'(x) - λg'(x)[/tex]
[tex]g(x) ≤ T[/tex]
[tex]λ ≥ 0[/tex]
[tex]λ(g(x)-T) = 0[/tex]
So to apply the Kuhn Tucker conditions here:
[tex]\frac{-B+Be^\textrm{ β x} - Aβe^\textrm{ β x}-Bxβe^\textrm{ β x}}{(1-e^\textrm{ β x})^{2}} = λ\frac{(1-e^\textrm{ β x}) + βxe^\textrm{ β x}}{(1-e^\textrm{ β x})^{2}}[/tex]
[tex]-B+Be^\textrm{ β x} - Aβe^\textrm{ β x}-Bxβe^\textrm{ β x} = λ-λe^\textrm{ β x} + λβxe^\textrm{ β x}[/tex]
[tex]e^\textrm{ β x}(B - Aβ-Bxβ+λ - λβx)-B-λ = 0[/tex]
This can be combined with the remaining conditions:
[tex]λ(\frac{x}{1-e^\textrm{ β x}}-\frac{1}{β}-T) = 0[/tex]
[tex]\frac{x}{1-e^\textrm{ β x}} ≤ T + \frac{1}{β}[/tex]
[tex]λ ≥ 0[/tex]
Use these to solve for x.
 
Minimising {(A+Bx)/(1-e-βx)}-(B/β) is the same as minimising f(x) = (A+Bx)/(1-e-βx) [0]
Ignoring the constraint for the moment, setting the derivative to zero gives me:
eβx = 1 + βx + Aβ/B [1]
(Rather different from what HofI got...)
Whether a solution of the above blows the constraint may well depend on the details of the constants. As oay pointed out, there's a syntax error in your constraint. I assume it's just an extra right parenthesis, so should read:
x/(1-e-βx) ≤ T + 1/β [2]
Since the function to be minimised clearly has exactly one minimum between 0 and +∞, if the solution of [1] is disallowed by [2] then the desired answer gives equality in [2]:
x/(1-e-βx) = T + 1/β [3]
 
  • #10
Thank you very much!
 

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