Find the max and min value from equation?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the maximum and minimum values of a function defined in the context of an ellipse given by the equation \(2x^2 + y^2 = 4\). Participants are exploring the relationship between the variables and how to approach the problem using calculus and algebraic manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of derivatives to find extreme points and question the necessity of calculus for this problem. There are attempts to express \(y\) in terms of \(x\) and substitute it into the expression for which they want to find maxima and minima. Some participants express confusion about the setup and the appropriate methods to use.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various insights and suggestions. Some have indicated that a maximum value of 6 has been found, while others are exploring different interpretations of the problem. There is a mix of agreement and differing opinions on the necessity of calculus in solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the ellipse equation and are trying to ensure that their solutions respect the defined domain for \(x\). There is an ongoing dialogue about the correct interpretation of the problem and the methods to apply.

Helly123
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Homework Statement



16_Mat_A_1.5.png

Homework Equations


f ' (x) = 0 --> to find extreme points

The Attempt at a Solution


## 2x^2 + y^2 = 4##
## y = \sqrt{4 - 2x^2}##
## y ' = \frac {-2x} {\sqrt{4-2x^2}} ##
## 0 = \frac {-2x} {\sqrt{4-2x^2}} ##
x = 0

also ## 4 - 2x^2 >= 0 ##
## 4 >= 2x^2 ##
## \sqrt{2} >= x ##
## x <= +/- \sqrt{2} ##

## x= -\sqrt{2} , x = 0, x = \sqrt{2} ##
## f( -\sqrt{2} ) = 0 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = -4\sqrt{2}## --> min
## f( \sqrt{2} ) = 0 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = 4\sqrt{2}## ---> max
## f(0) = 2 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = 4##

is there something wrong?
 
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Helly123 said:
is there something wrong?
I suppose so.
Helly123 said:
f ' (x) = 0 --> to find extreme points
You manipulate things, but where does this ##f(x)## appear ?
Setting ##y ' = \frac {-2x} {\sqrt{4-2x^2}}=0## finds you extrema for y(x) at x = 0 (you recognize this is an ellipse ?) but that is not what you want!
 
Helly123 said:

Homework Statement



View attachment 206531

Homework Equations


f ' (x) = 0 --> to find extreme points

The Attempt at a Solution


## 2x^2 + y^2 = 4##
## y = \sqrt{4 - 2x^2}##
## y ' = \frac {-2x} {\sqrt{4-2x^2}} ##
## 0 = \frac {-2x} {\sqrt{4-2x^2}} ##
x = 0
You aren't using the fact that the points have to lie on the given ellipse.
You don't need calculus to solve this problem. In the equation of the ellipse, solve for y, and then substitute that into the expression whose max and min values you want to find. I get a maximum value of 6.
Helly123 said:
also ## 4 - 2x^2 >= 0 ##
## 4 >= 2x^2 ##
## \sqrt{2} >= x ##
## x <= +/- \sqrt{2} ##
I get what you're trying to say, but this is not how to say it. It should be
##-\sqrt 2 \le x \le \sqrt 2##
Helly123 said:
## x= -\sqrt{2} , x = 0, x = \sqrt{2} ##
## f( -\sqrt{2} ) = 0 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = -4\sqrt{2}## --> min
## f( \sqrt{2} ) = 0 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = 4\sqrt{2}## ---> max
## f(0) = 2 ## --> ##4x + y^2 = 4##

is there something wrong?
 
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Mark44 said:
I get a maximum value of 6.
So did I but I didn't want to spoil the fun.
And with calculus you can find maxima, minima and flexing points (is that the proper designation?), but on ##[0,1]## the function ##f(x) = x## has a lowest value of 0 and a maximum value of 1 and neither can be found with calculus !
 
BvU said:
So did I but I didn't want to spoil the fun.
And with calculus you can find maxima, minima and flexing points (is that the proper designation?)
Usual term is "inflection point".
BvU said:
, but on ##[0,1]## the function ##f(x) = x## has a lowest value of 0 and a maximum value of 1 and neither can be found with calculus !
However, noting that the derivative is constant and positive, one can conclude that the minimum occurs at the left endpoint of the interval, and the maximum occurs at the right endpoint of the same interval.
 
Mark44 said:
Usual term is "inflection point".
Thanks !
Back to Helly: do you now see what needs to be done (calculus or not) ?
 
## 2x^2 + y^2 = 4##
##\frac{x^2}{2} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 1## -> ellipse equation

y = 0
## x = \sqrt{2} \ or -\sqrt{2} ##

x = 0
## y = 2 \ or -2 ##

x = 0
## y^2 = 4 ##
## 4x + y^2 = 4 ##

y = 0
## x = 4\sqrt{2} \ or -4\sqrt{2} ##
## 4x + y^2 = 4\sqrt{2} \ or -4\sqrt{2} ##

What do you mean solve for y?
 
Last edited:
Helly123 said:
## 2x^2 + y^2 = 4##
##\frac{x^2}{2} + \frac{y^2}{4} = 1## -> ellipse equation
What do you mean solve for y?

Express y as function of x.
 
Mark44 said:
You aren't using the fact that the points have to lie on the given ellipse.
You don't need calculus to solve this problem. In the equation of the ellipse, solve for y, and then substitute that into the expression whose max and min values you want to find.
## y = \sqrt 4 -2x^2 ## this is y as function of x
how to solve it?
## 0 = \sqrt 4 -2x^2 ##
##4 - 2x^2 = 0##
x = -2 or 2

what am I supposed to do? using calculus?

BvU said:
Thanks !
Back to Helly: do you now see what needs to be done (calculus or not) ?
no...
 
  • #10
##
y = \sqrt 4 -2x^2
## ? You sure or is this a ##\TeX##typo and you forgot the curly brackets { } around the argument for ##\sqrt {}## ?

Helly123 said:
this is y as function of x
Good. Now you can substitute y in the function for which you want to find the maximum and the minimum value
Helly123 said:
how to solve it?
You can not solve one equation for two unknowns -- 'solve' in the sense I seem to have let you think. The sense I meant it is as Ersbeth posted (you can accept my apologies, but I think it's better if you get used to the slight ambiguity :smile:)

To help speed up things somewhat: now that you have ##y^2## as a function of ##x##, you can investigate the function ##4x+y^2## on the domain you found for ##x## -- using calculus or common sense :rolleyes:PS:
Helly123 said:
x = -2 or 2
tut tut ! What did you find in post 7 ? (the first time y=0, that is)
 
  • #11
##2x^2 + y^2 = 4##
max and min of ## 4x + y^2? ##
Answer
## y = \sqrt{4 - 2x^2} ##
domain is
## 4 - 2x^2 >= 0 ##
so we get ## -\sqrt{2} < = x < = \sqrt{2} ##

now, question is ## 4x + y^2 ## max and min?
from equation ## 2x^2 + y^2 = 4 ## we get ## y^2 = 4 - 2x^2##
substitute ## y^2 = 4 - 2x^2 ## to ## 4x + y^2 ##
## 4x + y^2 = 4x + 4 - 2x^2 ##
## f(x) = 4x + 4 - 2x^2 ##
## f ' (x) = 4 - 4x ##
0 = 4 - 4x
x = 1 -> satisy domain

check x = 1, and x in domain for ## 4x + y^2 = 4x + 4 - 2x^2 ##
x = 1
## 4x + y^2 = 4 + 4 - 2 = 6 ##

x = ## -\sqrt{2}##
## 4x + y^2 = -4\sqrt{2} ##

x = ## \sqrt{2}##
## 4x + y^2 = 4\sqrt{2} ##

max = 6
min = ## -4\sqrt{2} ##

is the concept right? I'm lack at concept... I manipulate formula to get answer I want.
 
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  • #12
BvU said:
To help speed up things somewhat: now that you have ##y^2## as a function of ##x##, you can investigate the function ##4x+y^2## on the domain you found for ##x## -- using calculus or common sense :rolleyes:
oh that's substitute the y^2 to ##4x+y^2## right
 
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  • #13
Yes. Well done.

One pedantic remark: you used calculus to find the maximum. As Mark said in #3, you indeed don't really need it. Can you see how ?

Helly123 said:
I manipulate formula to get answer I want
:smile: that's what we all do !
 
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  • #14
BvU said:
Yes. Well done.

One pedantic remark: you used calculus to find the maximum. As Mark said in #3, you indeed don't really need it. Can you see how ?

:smile: that's what we all do !
hmm.. I get it.
##4x + 4 -2x^2##
change it to another form
##4x + 4 -2x^2 = -2(x^2 - 2x) + 4 ##
##= -2(x^2 - 2x + 1) + 2 + 4 ##
##= -2(x-1)^2 + 6 ##
so ##4x + y^2 = -2(x-1)^2 + 6 ##
max at 6, when x = 1
 
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