Lagrange Multipliers to find max/min values

[arl146]

Homework Statement

Use Lagange Multipliers to find the max and min values of the function subject to the given constraint(s). f(x,y)=exp(xy) ; constraint: x^3 + y^3 = 16

Homework Equations

\nablaf = \nablag * \lambda
f_x = g_x * \lambda
f_y = g_y * \lambda

The Attempt at a Solution

Set the fx and fy eqns equal to 0. but i can't solve for x, y, and lambda... i guess my algebra isn't that strong

i got f_x = \lambda * g_x
y*e^xy = 3x²\lambda

and for y:

x*e^xy = 3y²\lambda

and g(x,y) = x³ + y³ = 16

 

[arl146]

no one can offer a little help? =/

 

[I like Serena]

Hi arl146!

You need to solve this set of equations:
(1) y e^xy = 3x²λ
(2) x e^xy = 3y²λ
(3) x³ + y³ = 16

Can you find λ from equation (1)?
And also from equation (2)?
Then equate them to each other, effectively eliminating λ?

 

[HallsofIvy]

Since a specific value for \lambda is not necessary for the solution, I find it is often simplest to start by eliminating \lambda by dividing one equation by another. Here, start by dividing ye^{xy}= 3x^2\lambda by xe^{xy}= 3y^2\lambda: y/x= x^2/y^2 which is the same as x^3= y^3. Putting that into x^3+ y^3= 16 gives 2x^3= 16.

 

[arl146]

well i sort of did something like that and got and y=x and with the whole x^3 + y^3 = 16 that means y=x=2. so there's what, is it called a critical pt still, at (2,2) ? so i just plug that into f(x,y)= exp(xy) ??
so you'd have f(2,2)=exp(4) ... is that all i do ? it just seems wrong.idk why haha

 

[I like Serena]

Yes that's all you do. :)

The only thing remaining is finding out whether it's a maximum or a minimum...

 

[arl146]

yea i think that's why i came here because i got confused with that one value. how do you know?

 

[I like Serena]

yea i think that's why i came here because i got confused with that one value. how do you know?

Doesn't your class material cover that?

Anyway, I know of 3 methods:

1. Using the second derivative test (Hessian matrix).
I can't quickly find a easy example for it (yet).

2. Since you only have one extrema, you can pick any point that satisfies the constraint and calculate f(x,y) there. Compare it with the f(x,y) at the extremum and you know whether it's a maximum or a minimum.

3. Vary x with a small epsilon, and calculate how you need to vary y to match the constraint in first order approximation.
In your case (x + epsilon)^3 + (y - epsilon)^3 = 16.
Check what f(x + epsilon, y - epsilon) does relative to f(x,y).