Minimizing 4\sec^2(x)+9\csc^2(x) for x in the first qu

kuvitia9f

kuvitia9f

Answered question

2022-01-02

Minimizing 4sec2(x)+9csc2(x) for x in the first quadrant. Discrepancy in solution
Using derivatives, I am able to show that the minimum value of the expression-in-question is equal to 25. I also verified this with Desmos graphing app. However, when I tried doing this using basic algebra, the answer turns out to be 26. I do not know why this is happening, but I should be extremely grateful to you if you can point out the error.
4sec2x+9csc2x=
(2secx3cscx)2+12secxcscx
The value of the above expression will be minimum when that expression inside parenthesis equals zero; and that happens when tanx=32. Using this we can say that secx=132 and cscx=133
If now we substitute these values in the above expression, answer turns out to be 26. I don't know why this is happening, but please help me find the error in this approach.

Answer & Explanation

lovagwb

lovagwb

Beginner2022-01-03Added 50 answers

Hint:
2secx3cscx=0 may not give us the minimum value as secxcscx is not constant
Use
4sec2x+9csc2x=4(1+tan2x)+9(1+cot2x)=13+(2tanx3cotx)2+223
Vasquez

Vasquez

Expert2022-01-08Added 669 answers

Let the minimum value be a. Then:
4sec2x+9csc2x=a4sin2x+9cos2x=acos2xsin2x44cos2x+9cos2x=acos2x(1cos2x)acos4x+(a5)cos2x4=0
and since =0,(a5)24(a)(4)=0 or a226a+25=0a=1,25. But since 4sec2x+9csc2x9csc2x=9sin2x91, the minimum value must be 25.
To check if the minimum value is attained in the first quadrant, substitute a=25 into the quadratic equation above, which must result in a perfect square as =0

user_27qwe

user_27qwe

Skilled2022-01-08Added 375 answers

substitute
cos2(x)=t
Having
sec(x)=1cos(x)cosec(x)=1sin(x)4cos2x+9sin2xmin, 0<x<π4sin2xsin2xcos2x+9cos2xsin2xcos2xmin
substitute t=cos2(x),sin2(x)=1t
4+5t(1t)tmin
finding minimum by differentiation
ddt4+5t(1t)t=0
5t2+8t4t2(1t)2=0
hence
5t2+8t4=0, t0, t1
solving we get t=25, 2 Skipping verification that this value is minimum, we get
cos2x=25x=arccos(25)
and minimum value
4+5t(1t)t=635×25=25

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