Finding the minimum value of a function without using Calculus

functionsmaxima-minima

Find the minimum value the function $f(x) = x^4 + \frac{1}{x^2}$ when $x \in \Bbb R^*$

My attempt:

Finding the minimum value of this function using calculus is a piece of cake. But since this question appeared on my test when Calculus was not taught to me, there must definitely be a way (Probably by purely using Algebra) to find the minimum value of this function without using Calculus which I am unaware of.

I tried making perfect squares but that got me nowhere. Maybe, I wasn't making the perfect, perfect square 🙂

Any help would be appreciated.

Best Answer

Use AM-GM: $$x^4+\frac1{x^2}=x^4+\frac1{2x^2}+\frac1{2x^2}\ge 3\sqrt[3]{\frac1{4}},$$ equality occurs when $x^4=\frac1{2x^2}=\frac1{2x^2} \Rightarrow x=\pm\frac1{\sqrt[6]{2}}$.

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