# Finding the minimum value of $\frac{\mu\cos\theta}{\cos\theta + \mu\sin\theta}$

This is a part of a physics problem I was solving. I was supposed to find the minimum value of $\dfrac{\mu\cos\theta}{\cos \theta +\mu\sin \theta}$ where $\mu= 0.2$

The solution given used calculus to determine the minimum value (by finding the first derivative). However, being a pre-calculus student, I wonder if there's a way to solve this problem without using derivatives. I tried using $AM/GM$ but there's a $\mu$ causing trouble.

Any method to solve this without calculus?

## Originally Answered: Find min-max of $\cos{\theta + \mu\sin{\theta}}$

The general form of the answer is

$$-\sqrt{a^2+b^2} \leq a\cos{\theta} + b\sin{\theta} \leq \sqrt{a^2+b^2}$$

Look for the non calculus solution below.

## The Edited Question (totally different): Find min-max of $\frac{\mu\cos{\theta}}{\cos{\theta + \mu\sin{\theta}}}$

Dividing numerator and denominator by $\cos{\theta}$ we get,

$$\frac{\mu}{1+\mu\tan{\theta}}$$

## Finding a min-max value for the function is futile, because as this graph shows, the function can achieve any real value and is not bounded.

• (Thanks) I know the proof already (so no need for that :)). This didn't click immediately to me therfore I couldn't apply it. – user342531 Aug 9 '17 at 5:47
• Is it possible to find $\theta$ using this? I need $\theta$ in the later part of the problem. – user342531 Aug 9 '17 at 5:51
• @Abcd I don't understand, if you know the value of \theta then the expression is constant – Agile_Eagle Aug 9 '17 at 5:52
• I have edited my question. – user342531 Aug 9 '17 at 5:55
• @Abcd Better post the full question only:) – Agile_Eagle Aug 9 '17 at 6:03