Can you minimize a function in MATLAB?

The force is F=(mMg)/(cos(theta)+Msin(theta), and theta is between 0 and pi/2 I have the values for m, M and g but I need to find the angle that the force is the smallest. I also need to find the magnitude of the force. To find the angle where force is the smallest, do I need to minimize it? How would I go about doing that?

[the cyclist]

Not related to your MATLAB question, but you might want to be careful with your force definition. It looks like you might have mismatched units in the denominator.

[John D'Errico]

It depends on what M means. If M has units, then, yes, there is arguably a problem, because we would have

cos(theta) + M*sin(theta)

in an additive expression. That works only if M is unit-less.

But to be honest, it looks like M might be unit-less. My guess is m is a mass, g looks like an acceleration. Therefore m*g is a force, and we have no use for units on M.

[the cyclist]

You are absolutely correct. I assumed that M is a large mass, and m a small mass.

Answer 1

[the cyclist]

Yes, you can use the fminbnd function.

Answer 2

[John D'Errico]

Use fminbnd. I'll show you how to define the function.

F = @(theta) (m*M*g)./(cos(theta)+M*sin(theta));

[Elise M.]

Thank you!