def minimum_bracketing(fct, initial_value=0.0, natural_length=1.0 + DOUBLE_TOL):
    '''
    Given a function func, and given distinct inital points ax and bx, this routine searches
    in the downhill direction (defined by the function as evaluated at the initial points)
    and returns new points at ax, bx, cx that bracket a minimum of the function.
    Also returned are the function values at the three points.
    See Press, et al. (1992) "Numerical recipes in C", 2nd ed., p.400.
    '''

    def _minimum_bracketing(a, b, fct):
        v = mn_brak(a, b, fct)
        fa = v[3]
        fb = v[4]
        fc = v[5]
        if not (fa > fb and fb < fc):
            return False
        # Return the three bracketing points.
        return (v[0], v[1], v[2])

    ta = initial_value if initial_value != None else 0.0
    tb = ta + natural_length
    ret = _minimum_bracketing(ta, tb, fct)
    return ret