How Do Lagrange Multipliers Optimize Ellipsoid Volume?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on using Lagrange multipliers to minimize the volume of an ellipsoid defined by the equation $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}+\frac{z^2}{c^2}=1$, while ensuring it passes through the point $(1,2,1)$. The volume is expressed as $V=\frac{4\pi}{3}abc$. The gradients are correctly set up as $\triangledown f=(\frac{4\pi}{3}bc,\frac{4\pi}{3}ac,\frac{4\pi}{3}ab)$ and $\triangledown g=(-2/a^3, -8/b^3, -2/c^3)$, leading to the relationship $\triangledown f=\lambda \triangledown g$. This setup is confirmed to be accurate for solving the optimization problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrange multipliers
  • Familiarity with ellipsoid equations
  • Knowledge of gradient vectors
  • Basic calculus concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Lagrange multipliers in optimization problems
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of ellipsoids
  • Learn about the properties of gradients in multivariable calculus
  • Investigate constraints in optimization scenarios
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Mathematicians, students studying multivariable calculus, and anyone interested in optimization techniques for geometric shapes.

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Use Lagrange multipliers to find $a,b,c$ so that the volume $V=\frac{4\pi}{3}abc$ of an ellipsoid $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}+\frac{z^2}{c^2}=1$, passing through the point $(1,2,1)$ is as small as possible.

I just need to make sure my setup is correct.
$\triangledown f=(\frac{4\pi}{3}bc,\frac{4\pi}{3}ac,\frac{4\pi}{3}ab)$
$\triangledown g=(-2/a^3, -8/b^3, -2/c^3)$.
Where, $\triangledown f=\lambda \triangledown g$
 
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Rido12 said:
Use Lagrange multipliers to find $a,b,c$ so that the volume $V=\frac{4\pi}{3}abc$ of an ellipsoid $\frac{x^2}{a^2}+\frac{y^2}{b^2}+\frac{z^2}{c^2}=1$, passing through the point $(1,2,1)$ is as small as possible.

I just need to make sure my setup is correct.
$\triangledown f=(\frac{4\pi}{3}bc,\frac{4\pi}{3}ac,\frac{4\pi}{3}ab)$
$\triangledown g=(-2/a^3, -8/b^3, -2/c^3)$.
Where, $\triangledown f=\lambda \triangledown g$

Hey Rido! ;)

Looks good to me! (Nod)
 

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