golden_section

golden_section, a MATLAB code which estimates a minimizer of a function f(x) over the interval [a,b], assuming f(x) is unimodular ("U-shaped") over [a,b].

The program returns an estimate for a critical point x, which might be a minimum, maximum or just an inflection point. It also returns the number of iterations.

Licensing:

The information on this web page is distributed under the MIT license.

Languages:

golden_section is available in a MATLAB version and an Octave version.

Related Data and Programs:

golden_section_test

glomin, a MATLAB code which finds a global minimum of a scalar function of a scalar argument, without the use of derivative information, by Richard Brent.

local_min, a MATLAB code which finds a local minimum of a scalar function of a scalar variable, without the use of derivative information, by Richard Brent.

local_min_rc, a MATLAB code which finds a local minimum of a scalar function of a scalar variable, without the use of derivative information, using reverse communication (RC), by Richard Brent.

opt_golden, a MATLAB code which interactively estimates a minimizer of a function f(x) assuming f(x) is unimodular (U-shaped) over the interval [a,b].

test_min, a MATLAB code which implements test problems for minimization of a scalar function of a scalar variable.

Source Code:

Last revised on 23 February 2026.