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How to differentiate a equation with three variables

  1. Jun 29, 2008 #1
    Find the minimum value of [tex]|log_{b}a+log_{a}b|[/tex]
    where 'a' and 'b' are positive numbers.

    First tell me, do I need to differentiate it? If no, then how can this thing be done? I dont know how to differentiate a equation with three variables and that too with modulus involved?

    Please help me.
  2. jcsd
  3. Jun 29, 2008 #2


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    Homework Helper

    Re: Minima

    Yes, this problem can be done, but you will need to rewrite it first. Use the 'change of base formula" to convert [tex]log_{b} a[/tex] into an expression in terms of a logarithm base a. (This gives an identity between [tex]log_{a} b[/tex] and [tex]log_{b} a[/tex] that can be useful to know...)

    You will now have a single expression, entirely in terms of log-base-a, which will suggest how to find the minimum of the sum.

    (BTW, because of the absolute value sign, there will be one answer for the minimum value, but two answers for the relationship between a and b...)
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2008

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