Finding Extremes of x^3+y^3+z^3+xyz for Real Numbers with Constraints

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter anemone
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem presented involves finding the maximum and minimum values of the expression \(x^3 + y^3 + z^3 + xyz\) under the constraints \(x + y + z = 4\) and \(\frac{1}{x} + \frac{1}{y} + \frac{1}{z} = \frac{1}{3}\). The solution requires applying techniques from algebra and optimization, specifically leveraging symmetric sums and inequalities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between the variables to derive the extremal values effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of symmetric sums in algebra
  • Familiarity with optimization techniques in real analysis
  • Knowledge of inequalities, particularly AM-GM inequality
  • Ability to manipulate and solve equations involving multiple variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the AM-GM inequality in optimization problems
  • Explore symmetric functions and their properties in algebra
  • Learn about Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimization
  • Investigate the behavior of cubic functions and their extrema
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying algebra and optimization, and anyone interested in solving complex real-number equations with constraints.

anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
Messages
3,851
Reaction score
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

Real numbers $x,\,y$ and $z$ satisfy $x+y+z=4$ and $\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{1}{y}+\dfrac{1}{z}=\dfrac{1}{3}$. Find the largest and smallest possible value of the expression $x^3+y^3+z^3+xyz$.

-----

 
Physics news on Phys.org
No one answered last week's POTW. (Sadface) However, you can find the suggested solution below:
Note that $(x+y+z)^3=x^3+y^3+z^3+3(x^2y+xy^2+x^2z+xz^2+y^2z+yz^2)+6xyz$ while $3(x+y+z)\left(\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{1}{y}+\dfrac{1}{z}\right)xyz=3(x+y+z)(xy+xz+yz)=3(x^2y+xy^2+x^2z+xz^2+y^2z+yz^2)+9xyz$. Thus,
$(x+y+z)^3-3(x+y+z)\left(\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{1}{y}+\dfrac{1}{z}\right)xyz=x^3+y^3+z^3-3xyz$.

By assumptions, $x+y+z-4$ and $\dfrac{1}{x}+\dfrac{1}{y}+\dfrac{1}{z}=\dfrac{1}{3}$. Hence $63-4xyz=x^3+y^3+z^3-3xyz$, implying $x^3+y^3+z^3+xyz=64$.

Consequently, the expression $x^3+y^3+z^3+xyz$ has only one value 64.

An example of numbers satisfying the conditions is $x=1,\,y=\dfrac{3-3\sqrt{3}}{2}$ and $z=\dfrac{3+3\sqrt{3}}{2}$. Then $\dfrac{1}{x}=1,\,\dfrac{1}{y}=\dfrac{-1-\sqrt{3}}{3}$ and $\dfrac{1}{z}=\dfrac{-1+\sqrt{3}}{3}$.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K