Proving the Local Maxima of a Rectangle Partition with Two Parallel Lines

In summary, the problem involves finding the maximum and minimum values of the sum of the squares of the areas of four smaller rectangles within a larger rectangle. To solve this problem, it is best to factorize the equation and use the product of maxima and minima to find the maximum and minimum values. While the local minimums can be found using the first and second derivative test, the local maximum can be deduced but not proven mathematically.
  • #1
clairaut
72
0
A rectangle with length L and width W is cut into four smaller rectangles by two lines parallel to the sides. Find the maximum and minimum values of the sum of the squares of the areas of the smaller rectangles.

Unless I did incorrectly, the algebra is very very long...

HELP
 
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  • #2
[A(x,y)]= 4x^2y^2 + 2L^2y^2 - 4Lxy^2 - 4wx^2y + 2w^2x^2 + 4wLxy - 2w^2Lx - 2wL^2y + w^2L^2

Constraint C= WL = area1 = constant
 
  • #3
Firstly, this belongs in the homework forum.
Secondly, this problem does not involve lagrange multipliers.
Thirdly, it's best to factorize [itex]A(x,y)[/itex] thusly: [tex]
A(x,y) = x^2 y^2 + x^2(W-y)^2 + (L - x)^2y^2 + (L-x)^2(W-y)^2 = (x^2 + (L-x)^2)(y^2 + (W-y)^2).[/tex] Both factors are non-negative in the domain we're interested in, so the maximum of the product is the product of the maxima, and the minimum of the product is the product of the minima.
 
  • #4
pasmith said:
Firstly, this belongs in the homework forum.
Secondly, this problem does not involve lagrange multipliers.
Thirdly, it's best to factorize [itex]A(x,y)[/itex] thusly: [tex]
A(x,y) = x^2 y^2 + x^2(W-y)^2 + (L - x)^2y^2 + (L-x)^2(W-y)^2 = (x^2 + (L-x)^2)(y^2 + (W-y)^2).[/tex] Both factors are non-negative in the domain we're interested in, so the maximum of the product is the product of the maxima, and the minimum of the product is the product of the minima.
Thanks!

When i do the first and second derivative test, I can find the local minimums.

However, I can only deduce the local maximum without a formal derivative test. Is there a way to mathematically prove the local maxima?
 

1. What is a local maximum and minimum?

A local maximum is a point on a graph where the function is at its highest value in a specific interval, but not necessarily the highest value overall. A local minimum is a point on a graph where the function is at its lowest value in a specific interval, but not necessarily the lowest value overall.

2. How do you identify local maxima and minima?

To identify local maxima and minima, you can look for points on the graph where the slope changes from positive to negative (for a local maximum) or from negative to positive (for a local minimum). You can also find these points by taking the derivative of the function and setting it equal to zero.

3. What is the difference between a local maximum and a global maximum?

A local maximum is a point on a graph where the function is at its highest value in a specific interval, while a global maximum is the highest value of the entire function. A local maximum does not necessarily have to be the global maximum, as there may be other points on the graph with higher values.

4. Can a function have more than one local maximum or minimum?

Yes, a function can have multiple local maxima and minima. This occurs when the slope of the function changes multiple times within a specific interval. These points can also be called relative maxima and minima.

5. How are local maxima and minima useful in real-world applications?

Local maxima and minima are useful in real-world applications for optimizing functions. For example, in economics, local maxima and minima can represent the points of highest and lowest profit for a business. In medicine, local maxima and minima can represent the highest and lowest points of a patient's vital signs. Finding these points can help in making informed decisions and improving overall outcomes.

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