Max/Min of f(x,y,z) with Lagrange Multipliers

[xdrgnh]

Homework Statement

Use Lagrange multipliers to ¯nd the maximum and mini-
mum value(s), if they exist, of
f(x; y; z) = x^2 -2y + 2z^2
subject to the constraint x^2+y^2+z^2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Basically after I find the gradient of the functions I get this.

2x=2x lamda
-2=2y lamda
4z=2z lamda.

One case lamda equals 1 while the other it equals 2. Does this mean that the Lagrange Mult can't be used?

 

[Dick]

2x*lambda=2x doesn't necessarily mean lambda=1. It might mean x=0. You have to start splitting it into cases.

 

[xdrgnh]

I got it thanks a lot Dick.

 

[dynamicsolo]

When you have equations of the form 2x = \lambda \cdot 2x , it is dangerous to simply "cancel out" the "x" common to both sides of the equation. By removing the factor, you may be removing a solution to the equation along with it. Generally speaking, one should not divide out a factor unless one is sure it cannot be zero.

It is safer to re-write these equations in the form 2x - \lambda \cdot 2x = 0 \Rightarrow 2x ( 1 - \lambda ) = 0 and solve the two implied equations from there.