Solving Max of x^2+y^2 w/ Lagrange Multipliers

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the shortest and longest distance from the origin to the curve defined by the equation x^2 + xy + y^2 = 16, with a hint suggesting the maximization of x^2 + y^2. The context includes geometric interpretation of the distances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to apply Lagrange multipliers and whether they are necessary for this problem. Some suggest solving for y in terms of x and using the distance formula, while others question the clarity of the problem setup.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods and questioning the appropriateness of Lagrange multipliers. Some guidance has been offered regarding the distance formula and the relationship to the problem, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the formulation of the problem, particularly about the equation x^2 + y^2 and its relation to the distance calculation. Participants are navigating through various interpretations and methods without a clear resolution.

thenewbosco
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Find the shortest and longest distance from the origin to the curve
[tex]x^2 + xy + y^2=16[/tex] and give a geometric interpretation...the hint given is to find the maximum of [tex]x^2+y^2[/tex]

i am not sure what to do for this problem

thanks
 
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thenewbosco said:
Find the shortest and longest distance from the origin to the curve
[tex]x^2 + xy + y^2=16[/tex] and give a geometric interpretation...the hint given is to find the maximum of [tex]x^2+y^2[/tex]

i am not sure what to do for this problem

thanks

Are you sure you need Lagrange Multipliers for this?
 
it says for the hint to use the method of lagrange multipliers to find the maximum of [tex]x^2 + y^2[/tex] but i am not sure how to do it using any method, so any help is appreciated.
 
thenewbosco said:
it says for the hint to use the method of lagrange multipliers to find the maximum of [tex]x^2 + y^2[/tex] but i am not sure how to do it using any method, so any help is appreciated.

Solve for y. use rate of change respect to the distance.
that is the "cal 1 method"

the path equation is constraint i think. apply Lagrange Multipliers on the distance formula
 
Last edited:
solve for y in what though. in the question it says [tex]x^2+y^2[/tex] this isn't even an equation though.
I am sorry i still don't get it
 
thenewbosco said:
solve for y in what though. in the question it says [tex]x^2+y^2[/tex] this isn't even an equation though.
I am sorry i still don't get it

you can solve for y in tern of x
and then using the distance formula D = (y^2+x^2)^0.5
sub the y equation into the distance formula
take the first derivative
fine 0s
test it
done

that is cal 1 method, it requires a lot of work

[tex]x^2+y^2[/tex] looks really similar to the distance formula
[tex]D^2 = x^2 + y^2[/tex]

you can set [tex]D = f(x)[/tex] or [tex]D^2 = f(x)[/tex] and find the del of it, since the square doesn't where the extreme occurs, therefore the text tells you to fine the max of [tex]x^2+y^2[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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