Determine the minimum value of an expression

In summary, determining the minimum value of an expression means finding the smallest possible value that the expression can have, among all possible values of the variables or inputs. It is important because it allows us to identify the lowest possible value that the expression can take, which can be useful in various applications such as optimization problems or determining the range of possible outputs. We can determine the minimum value of an expression algebraically by using techniques such as finding the derivative and setting it equal to zero, using the quadratic formula, or using the vertex form of a parabola. It is also possible for an expression to have more than one minimum value, either due to multiple local minimums or when the global minimum occurs at a point where the expression is flat.
  • #1
anemone
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If $x,\,y,\,z>0$ and $x+y+z=1$, find the minimum of $\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{10}+\left(y+\dfrac{1}{y}\right)^{10}+\left(z+\dfrac{1}{z}\right)^{10}$.
 
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  • #2
anemone said:
If $x,\,y,\,z>0$ and $x+y+z=1$, find the minimum of $\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{10}+\left(y+\dfrac{1}{y}\right)^{10}+\left(z+\dfrac{1}{z}\right)^{10}$.
for $x,y,z>0$
by using AM-GM inequality,
the minimum value will hold when :$x+\dfrac {1}{x}=y+\dfrac {1}{y}=z+\dfrac {1}{z}$
or $x=y=z=\dfrac{1}{3}$
the minimum value =$3\times (\dfrac {10}{3})^{10}$
 
  • #3
Thanks Albert for participating and your solution! :)

Here is another solution that I want to share:

Given that $0<x,\,y,\,z<1$.

If we let $f(x)=\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{10}$ on $I=90,\,1)$, then $f$ is strictly convex on I because $f''(x)=90\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{8}\left(1-\dfrac{1}{x^2}\right)^{2}+10\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{9}\left(\dfrac{2}{x^3}\right)>0$ for $x\in I$.

By Jensen's inequality,

$\begin{align*}3f\left(\dfrac{x+y+z}{3}\right)&=3f\left(\dfrac{1}{3}\right)\\&=\dfrac{10^{10}}{3^9}\\&\le f(x)+f(y)+f(z)\\&=\left(x+\dfrac{1}{x}\right)^{10}+\left(y+\dfrac{1}{y}\right)^{10}+\left(z+\dfrac{1}{z}\right)^{10}\end{align*}$

Therefore, the minimum is $\dfrac{10^{10}}{3^9}$, attained when $x=y=z=\dfrac{1}{3}$.
 

FAQ: Determine the minimum value of an expression

What does it mean to determine the minimum value of an expression?

Determining the minimum value of an expression means finding the smallest possible value that the expression can have, among all possible values of the variables or inputs.

Why is it important to determine the minimum value of an expression?

Determining the minimum value of an expression is important because it allows us to identify the lowest possible value that the expression can take, which can be useful in various applications such as optimization problems or determining the range of possible outputs.

How do you determine the minimum value of an expression algebraically?

To determine the minimum value of an expression algebraically, we can use techniques such as finding the derivative and setting it equal to zero, using the quadratic formula, or using the vertex form of a parabola. We can also graph the expression and observe the lowest point on the graph.

What is the difference between a local minimum and a global minimum?

A local minimum is the smallest value of an expression within a specific interval or region, while a global minimum is the smallest value of the expression among all possible values. In other words, a global minimum is also a local minimum, but a local minimum may not necessarily be a global minimum.

Can an expression have more than one minimum value?

Yes, an expression can have more than one minimum value. This can occur when the expression has multiple local minimums or when the global minimum occurs at a point where the expression is flat (has a slope of zero).

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