Minimum of Tan^p + Cot^q for 0 < x < Pi/2

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The discussion focuses on finding the minimum value of the expression y = Tan(x)^p + Cot(x)^q for 0 < x < π/2, where p and q are positive rational numbers. The approach involves substituting u = Tan(x) and analyzing the function y in terms of u, leading to y = u^p + (1/u)^q. Participants note the need for calculus to solve the problem, while also highlighting that the original problem appeared in a trigonometry context without calculus guidance. The conversation shifts to the appropriate forum for such discussions, emphasizing the mathematical relationships between sine and cosine in the context of the problem. The thread illustrates the intersection of trigonometry and calculus in solving optimization problems.
hadi amiri 4
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suppose p and q are positive rational numbers with the condition : 0<x<Pi/2
find the minimum y=Tan(x)^p+Cot(x)^q
 
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Well set u=Tan(x),
Hence, y=u(x)^p+(1/u)^q, along with \frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\frac{du}{dx}
should settle it nicely.
 
you did not use the condition
 
hadi amiri 4 said:
you did not use the condition

Hi hadi! :smile:

arildno left that to you!

If 0 < x < π/2, and u = tanx, then the condition on u is … ? :smile:
 
i found this problems in a book which was just talking about trigonometry and that book was empty of calculus
 
hadi amiri 4 said:
i found this problems in a book which was just talking about trigonometry and that book was empty of calculus

ah … you put this in the Calculus & Analysis sub-forum, so we assumed you wanted a calculus answer! :smile:

I really have no idea how to do this with trignonometry. :redface:
 
you are right
 
please tell me where is the appropriate sub-forum
 
  • #10
tan(x)= \frac{sin(x)}{cos(x)}
and
cot(x)= \frac{cos(x)}{sin(x)}
so
tan^p(x)+ cot^q(x)= \frac{sin^p(x)}{cos^p(x)}+ \frac{cos^q(x)}{sin^q(x)}= \frac{sin^{p+q}(x)+ cos^{p+q}(x)}{sin^q(x)cos^p(x)}
 
  • #11
Are you sure that you have found the minimum of this problem?
or changing tan to sin/cos and ...
 

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