I need to explain why checking symmetric two-value cases for minimizing a function works for this problem. With convex functions and a fixed sum, the minimum occurs at the extreme points. By using convexity and symmetry, I can show that the minimum is achieved when all variables are equal, thus solving the case.
Checking convexity of φ
I want to check the convexity of φ(t) quickly, so I'll compute its second derivative. After working through the steps, I find that φ''(t) is 2/(1-t)^3 - 18/t^3. After analyzing this expression, I see that it's not always convex since its sign can change. Specifically, φ''(t) is positive when t > 0.675.
Refining the minimum point argument
I'm working through why the minimum occurs around t = 0.75 and considering the convexity of φ for values greater than 0.675. Since the function’s behavior isn’t fully convex across all values, I’ll need to use the "mixing variables" principle to justify the minimum occurring at two values. Let’s build up a high school-level proof from here.
Exploring the effect of equalizing variables
I’m considering a method to varying two variables while keeping their sum fixed, trying to show that equalizing them minimizes the sum. For a general function φ, this method doesn’t always apply. So, I'll focus on the function ψ_s(t) and prove its minimum occurs at t = s/2 or endpoints, ensuring S is minimized for sums within (0,2). This requires careful analysis of ψ_s(t).
Explaining minimum in terms of equalization
The goal is to prove why cases A and B are enough to find the minimum. This involves a known result about symmetric functions with fixed sums, yielding minima either at (x,x,x,3-3x) or (x,x,y,y). I'll formalize this using the mixing argument, where S tends to infinity at boundaries and the minimum is inside.
Formulating convexity criteria and minimizer conditions
The goal is to show that if we replace any two numbers p and q with the same sum s by equal numbers s/2, it won't increase S, which is a form of Jensen's convexity. We also need to ensure that a minimizer must have at most two distinct values: either 3+1 or 2+2.
Refining convexity and minimizing function via derivatives
At t=2/3, the second derivative of φ(t) is negative, so it's not convex at that point. To prove that S achieves its minimum, we can use calculus with Lagrange multipliers or by simplifying the analysis: show that the function φ'(t) has at most two solutions, leading to at most two distinct values for any minimizer.
Explaining minimum with limited values for variables
At the minimum, we can vary two distinct variables, and the derivative condition ensures that both must satisfy the same derivative. If the function’s derivative is strictly monotone after one turning point, we know there can only be two distinct values. Through this process, we confirm that at most two unique values exist, leading to valid patterns like 4 equal, 3+1, or 2+2.
Analyzing the boundary behavior and minimum
As t approaches 0, φ(t) tends to negative infinity. At the boundary, variables near 1 and one near 0 create an issue. We need to show that φ(t) becomes huge at the boundary and the minimum occurs inside the interior. An alternative approach is to use our prior inequality, confirming minima occur in the interior.
Evaluating boundary behavior and minimum value
At the boundary, if one variable is small and others approach 1, the positive blow-up term becomes large, but there are cancellations. The negative blow-up from x1 also cancels. The sum of positive terms grows with 1/t. So, the boundary may not approach infinity, and the minimum could occur there instead of at interior points.
Clearing up proof strategy for A/B sufficiency
The user only asked about the sufficiency of A and B, not existence. By a mixing variable approach, we can transform four variables into two equal ones without increasing the sum. By using a convexity argument, we can reduce the function to A/B. This avoids boundary analysis but guarantees the minimal sum condition. I'll finalize the proof steps and push for clarity without boundary concerns.
Exploring boundary condition for infimum’s existence
The sum and range conditions suggest variables can approach 0, but we observe that the boundary condition does not allow S to blow to infinity. Instead, the infimum approaches 6 as variables approach boundary. This implies the minimum must occur inside, reaffirming that the transformation reduces sums without crossing the boundary.
Bound on the function for minimization
I'm attempting to show that the function has a minimum by analyzing the boundary and interior behavior. As some variables approach 0, others approach 1, pushing the function up. Using bounds on terms, I can show that infimum behaves well and the minimum occurs inside the domain, not on the boundary.
Determining the minimum value of S
I'm trying to show that the function S(x1,…,x4) has a minimum in the interior by analyzing its boundary behavior. For small values of x1, I found that S≥6, ensuring it's positive and not dropping below zero. I'll show this bound holds and explain why the minimum is inside the domain.
Verifying minimizer exists and applies
I’m ensuring the bound works for x1 values near 0, and analyzing the compact subset [3/16,31/32] as the domain for the minimizer. I’ll show that S≥0 by observing its behavior at boundaries. The existence of the minimizer follows from continuity and compactness, allowing us to conclude that the pattern found is valid.