Finding minimum for an equation with two variables

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the minimum value of the equation x² + 2xy + 5y² - 4x - 6y + 7. The correct answer is given as [x + 2(y - 1)]² + (y + 1)² + 2. The user attempts to complete the square but encounters discrepancies in their calculations, particularly in transforming terms and balancing the equation. The confusion arises from misapplying the method of completing the square, leading to an incorrect expression that does not match the answer book.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quadratic equations and their properties
  • Knowledge of completing the square technique
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of expressions
  • Basic skills in multivariable calculus (for optimization)
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  • Study the method of completing the square in detail
  • Learn about optimization techniques for functions of two variables
  • Explore the implications of quadratic forms in multivariable calculus
  • Review examples of finding minima and maxima in algebraic expressions
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Students studying algebra, particularly those tackling optimization problems in multivariable calculus, as well as educators looking for examples of common mistakes in completing the square.

Hivoyer
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Homework Statement



I have the equation: x^2 + 2*x*y + 5*y^2 - 4*x - 6*y +7 and I have to find the minimum value
I'm getting something that looks half like the correct answer, but not quite right...

Homework Equations



The answer from the answer book is:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 + (y + 1)^2 + 2

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok first I took 2*x*y and -4*x and turned them into 4*x*(y - 1), so I got:

x^2 + 4*x*(y - 1) + 5*y^2 - 6*y + 7

Then I turned x^2 + 4*x*(y - 1) into a square: [(x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 and subtracted [2*(y - 1)]^2, which is 4*(y - 1)^2 to balance it out, so I got:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 - 4*(y - 1)^2 + 5*y^2 - 6*y + 7

However when I complete the square for the other part I get:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 - 4*(y - 1)^2 + 5*[(y - 3)^2 - 9] + 7

when then gives me:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 - 4*(y - 1)^2 + 5*(y - 3)^2 - 38

and this is not what the answer in the answer book I've written above is.Where did I go wrong?
 
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Hivoyer said:

Homework Statement



I have the equation: x^2 + 2*x*y + 5*y^2 - 4*x - 6*y +7 and I have to find the minimum value
I'm getting something that looks half like the correct answer, but not quite right...

Homework Equations



The answer from the answer book is:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 + (y + 1)^2 + 2

That doesn't look like a "minimum value" of anything. Please give the exact wording of the problem from your text.
 
LCKurtz said:
That doesn't look like a "minimum value" of anything. Please give the exact wording of the problem from your text.

Here is the problem from the book(part (c) in the red rectangle):
a3bd5adaf8a79c6b.png


Here is the solution of (c) from the answer book(again surrounded in red):
cd25dbf3ab519614.png
 
Hivoyer said:

Homework Statement



I have the equation: x^2 + 2*x*y + 5*y^2 - 4*x - 6*y +7 and I have to find the minimum value
I'm getting something that looks half like the correct answer, but not quite right...

Homework Equations



The answer from the answer book is:

[x + 2*(y - 1)]^2 + (y + 1)^2 + 2

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok first I took 2*x*y and -4*x and turned them into 4*x*(y - 1),

##2xy-4x\ne 4x(y-1)##
 

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