Lagrange Multiplier theory question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Lagrange Multipliers in the context of inequalities and constraints. The original poster presents a scenario involving two inequalities and questions the feasibility of applying the Lagrange Multiplier method without a clear function to optimize.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether it is appropriate to define a function for minimization based on the inequalities presented. There is a discussion about the necessity of having a function to maximize or minimize in the context of Lagrange Multipliers.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants questioning the setup of the problem and the validity of the approach using Lagrange Multipliers. Some guidance has been offered regarding the standard methods for checking feasibility of inequalities and constraints.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the formulation of the problem, particularly whether the inequalities can be treated as constraints in the context of Lagrange Multipliers. The original poster's approach to defining a function for minimization is under scrutiny.

flyingpig
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Homework Statement

I made this up, so I am not even sure if there is a solution

Let's say I have to find values for which these two inequality hold [tex]x^2 + y^5 + z = 6[/tex] and [tex]8xy + z^9 \sin(x) + 2yx \leq 200[/tex]And by Lagrange Multipliers that

[tex]\nabla f = \mu \nabla g[/tex]

So can I let [tex]f = 8xy + z^9 \sin(x) + 2yx - 200 \leq 0[/tex]?
 
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What question are you trying to answer? Normally, the Lagrange multiplier method is used to find a maximum or minimum to a given function with some additional constraints. Here, you don't seem to have any function to maximize or minimize
 
HallsofIvy said:
What question are you trying to answer? Normally, the Lagrange multiplier method is used to find a maximum or minimum to a given function with some additional constraints. Here, you don't seem to have any function to maximize or minimize

Yeah I made one by making f <= 0...?

Okay I got this idea from another problem from this video



go to 5:05...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I guess you want to know if it is possible to find some x,y,x that give you f(x,y,z) <= 0 and g(x,y,x) = 0, where f and g are the two functions given in your post. One way would be to solve the problem
minimize f, subject to g = 0, then check if the min value of f is <= 0. This approach is pretty standard, for example, when checking if a set of linear equations and inequalities is feasible.

RGV
 

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