Find the Minimum Value of a Complex Equation

In summary, finding the minimum value of a complex equation helps us determine the lowest possible output or solution, and it can be found using calculus techniques such as differentiation and optimization. The minimum value can be negative, but it is important to consider the context of the equation. There is a difference between absolute minimum and local minimum, with the former being the lowest possible output over the entire domain and the latter being the lowest possible output within a specific interval. Technology, such as graphing calculators and computer software, can also be used to find the minimum value of a complex equation by using numerical methods to approximate the solution.
  • #1
Albert1
1,221
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$a>1,b>1$

find the minimum value of

$\dfrac {a^2}{b-1}+\dfrac {b^2}{a-1}$
 
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  • #2
Albert said:
$a>1,b>1$

find the minimum value of

$\dfrac {a^2}{b-1}+\dfrac {b^2}{a-1}$

Both partial derivatives have to be zero.

From those equations it follows that:
\begin{cases}2a(a-1)^2&=b^2(b-1) \\ a^2(a-1)&=2b(b-1)^2\end{cases}
Multiplying those equations gives us:
$$2a^3(a-1)^3=2b^3(b-1)^3 \Rightarrow a(a-1) = b(b-1)$$
Substitute back into the equations to find:
$$\begin{cases}2a(a-1)^2&=ab(a-1) \\ ab(b-1)&=2b(b-1)^2\end{cases}
\Rightarrow \begin{cases}2(a-1)&= b\\ a&=2(b-1)\end{cases}
\Rightarrow a = b = 2$$
The corresponding minimum value is $8$.
 
  • #3
I like Serena said:
Both partial derivatives have to be zero.

From those equations it follows that:
\begin{cases}2a(a-1)^2&=b^2(b-1) \\ a^2(a-1)&=2b(b-1)^2\end{cases}
Multiplying those equations gives us:
$$2a^3(a-1)^3=2b^3(b-1)^3 \Rightarrow a(a-1) = b(b-1)$$
Substitute back into the equations to find:
$$\begin{cases}2a(a-1)^2&=ab(a-1) \\ ab(b-1)&=2b(b-1)^2\end{cases}
\Rightarrow \begin{cases}2(a-1)&= b\\ a&=2(b-1)\end{cases}
\Rightarrow a = b = 2$$
The corresponding minimum value is $8$.
very good I like Serena !
another solution:
using $AP\geq GP$
$\dfrac {a^2}{b-1}+\dfrac {b^2}{a-1}\geq 2\sqrt {\dfrac {a^2}{a-1}}\times \sqrt{\dfrac {b^2}{b-1}}--(1)$
minimum occurs when $a=b$
let:$\sqrt {\dfrac {a^2}{a-1}}=\sqrt{\dfrac {b^2}{b-1}}=k>0$
we have :$a^2=k^2(a-1)=b^2=k^2(b-1)$
$\rightarrow a^2 - k^2a+k^2=b^2-k^2b+k^2=0--(2)$
for $a,b\in R$
we must have:$k^4-4k^2\geq 0$
or $k^2(k^2-4)\geq 0,\rightarrow k\geq 2$
this implies : $ (1)\geq 2\times 2\times 2=8$
$\therefore $ the minimum of $(1)=8$
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Find the Minimum Value of a Complex Equation

1. What is the purpose of finding the minimum value of a complex equation?

The minimum value of a complex equation helps us to determine the lowest possible output or solution of the equation. This can be useful in various applications such as optimization problems in mathematics and physics, or in analyzing the behavior of a system.

2. How do you find the minimum value of a complex equation?

To find the minimum value of a complex equation, we can use calculus techniques such as differentiation and optimization. By taking the derivative of the equation and setting it equal to zero, we can solve for the critical points which will give us the minimum value of the equation.

3. Can the minimum value of a complex equation be negative?

Yes, the minimum value of a complex equation can be negative. This means that the lowest possible output or solution of the equation is a negative number. It is important to consider the context of the equation and make sure the negative value makes sense in the given scenario.

4. What is the difference between absolute minimum and local minimum?

The absolute minimum of a complex equation is the lowest possible output or solution of the equation over its entire domain. On the other hand, a local minimum is the lowest possible output or solution of the equation within a specific interval or region of the domain. A local minimum may or may not be the absolute minimum.

5. Can technology be used to find the minimum value of a complex equation?

Yes, technology such as graphing calculators or computer software can be used to find the minimum value of a complex equation. These tools use numerical methods to approximate the minimum value, which can be helpful in solving complex equations that are difficult to solve analytically.

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