Maxima/Minima of extrema function f(x,y)=x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the extrema of the function f(x, y) = x subject to the constraint x² + 2y² = 3. Participants explore the conditions for maxima, minima, and saddle points using the determinant of the Hessian matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to apply the determinant condition for classifying critical points but express confusion regarding the inconclusive results. They also discuss the geometric interpretation of the function as a plane and its implications for extrema.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the nature of the function and its constraints, suggesting that the flatness of the plane affects the existence of extrema. Others are exploring the implications of their findings and questioning their understanding of the process.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the interpretation of critical points and the conditions under which maxima and minima can be determined, with references to specific points derived from the constraint equation.

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Homework Statement


Find the extrema of the function subject to the given constraint.

f (x, y) = x

x2 + 2y2 = 3


Homework Equations


det = fxx * fyy - (fxy)2
If det > 0,
fxx < 0 [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] MAXIMUM
fxx > 0 [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] MINIMUM

If det < 0,
[tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] SADDLE POINT

If det = 0m
Inconclusive

The Attempt at a Solution



I appear to be struggling with this maxima/minima stuff. Previous questions were just correct. I had to look at the book's answers to figure a way there. I seem to be missing something...but here is my attempt:

Since x2 + 2y2 = 3,

x = [tex]\pm[/tex][tex]\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}[/tex]

Therefore,

f(x, y) = [tex]\pm[/tex][tex]\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}[/tex]

At critical point,

[tex]\nabla[/tex] f = (0, - [tex]\frac{2y}{\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}}[/tex] )

= (0, 0)


Therefore, equating gives

0 = 0

&

- [tex]\frac{2y}{\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}}[/tex] = 0

So extrema points at ([tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) & (-[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) since y = 0.


To find max/min/saddle, find det.

fxx = 0
fxy = 0

det = fxx * fyy - (fxy)2
det = 0 * fyy - (0)2
det = 0


Which is inconclusive. The book has ([tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) as a maximum and (-[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) as a minimum.

I don't know what I'm missing out here...

Thanks in advance.
 
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RyanV said:

Homework Statement


Find the extrema of the function subject to the given constraint.

f (x, y) = x

x2 + 2y2 = 3


Homework Equations


det = fxx * fyy - (fxy)2
If det > 0,
fxx < 0 [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] MAXIMUM
fxx > 0 [tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] MINIMUM

If det < 0,
[tex]\Rightarrow[/tex] SADDLE POINT

If det = 0m
Inconclusive

The Attempt at a Solution



I appear to be struggling with this maxima/minima stuff. Previous questions were just correct. I had to look at the book's answers to figure a way there. I seem to be missing something...but here is my attempt:

Since x2 + 2y2 = 3,

x = [tex]\pm[/tex][tex]\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}[/tex]
Tip: Don't mix [ sup] or [ sub] tags inside [ tex] tags. Instead use ^{} for exponents and _{} for subscripts.
RyanV said:
Therefore,

f(x, y) = [tex]\pm[/tex][tex]\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}[/tex]

At critical point,

[tex]\nabla[/tex] f = (0, - [tex]\frac{2y}{\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}}[/tex] )

= (0, 0)


Therefore, equating gives

0 = 0
I don't see how the equation above is helpful at all.
RyanV said:
&

- [tex]\frac{2y}{\sqrt{3 - 2y<sup>2</sup>}}[/tex] = 0

So extrema points at ([tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) & (-[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) since y = 0.


To find max/min/saddle, find det.

fxx = 0
fxy = 0

det = fxx * fyy - (fxy)2
det = 0 * fyy - (0)2
det = 0


Which is inconclusive. The book has ([tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) as a maximum and (-[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex], 0) as a minimum.

I don't know what I'm missing out here...

Thanks in advance.
What I think you are missing is some understanding of what f(x, y) = x looks like, which is a plane. Since a plane is a flat surface with no curvature, there are no dips or bumps. Also, since the domain of this plane is restricted to {(x, y) | x2 + 2y2 = 3}, any maximum or minimum points are attained at points the farthest away from the origin.
 
Ohh...I see... I feel so silly ><

Thanks a lot for that.



If I may, I have another question regarding maxima and minima...

Homework Statement

Find local minima, maxima and saddle points of the function:

f(x, y) = (x2 + 3y2) e1-x2-y2


I started off finding the partial derivatives of x and y respectively and got:

fx = 2xe1-x2-y2 ( 1 - x2 - 3y2 )
fy = 2ye1-x2-y2 (3 - x2 - 3y2 )


At critical points, (fx, fy) = (0, 0)

Equating gives,

2xe1-x2-y2 ( 1 - x2 - 3y2 ) = 0 --- (1)
2ye1-x2-y2 (3 - x2 - 3y2 )= 0 --- (2)



After that I'm kinda lost...I slithered my way to get (0, 0) but very unconvincingly. I would rather have some solid reasoning as to why.

Like I mentioned earlier, I think I'm missing some understanding and maybe that's why I'm not getting this.

The answers give
Min at (0, 0),
max at (0, 1), (0, -1),
saddle at (-1, 0), (1, 0)

Thanks!
 
RyanV said:
Homework Statement
Find local minima, maxima and saddle points of the function:

f(x, y) = (x2 + 3y2) e1-x2-y2I started off finding the partial derivatives of x and y respectively and got:

fx = 2xe1-x2-y2 ( 1 - x2 - 3y2 )
fy = 2ye1-x2-y2 (3 - x2 - 3y2 )


At critical points, (fx, fy) = (0, 0)

Equating gives,

2xe1-x2-y2 ( 1 - x2 - 3y2 ) = 0 --- (1)
2ye1-x2-y2 (3 - x2 - 3y2 )= 0 --- (2)
After that I'm kinda lost...I slithered my way to get (0, 0) but very unconvincingly. I would rather have some solid reasoning as to why.

Like I mentioned earlier, I think I'm missing some understanding and maybe that's why I'm not getting this.

The answers give
Min at (0, 0),
max at (0, 1), (0, -1),
saddle at (-1, 0), (1, 0)
When you have a product equal to 0, then one of the factors must be equal to 0. For instance, from this equation

[tex]2xe^{1-x^2-y^2}(1-x^2-3y^2) = 0[/tex]

you can conclude that x=0 or 1-x2-3y2=0. Similarly, the other equation gives you y=0 or 3-x2-3y2=0. Now you just have to find the solutions for all four possible combinations:

(1) x=0, y=0;
(2) x=0, 3-x2-3y2=0;
(3) y=0, 1-x2-3y2=0; and
(4) 1-x2-3y2=0, 3-x2-3y2=0.
 
Ooo, I see now. I think I managed to confuse myself by using how for eq (1),

since x = 0,

1-x2-3y2=0
1 - 3y2 = 0

which is definitely not looking good in terms of the answers. But I understand now =)

One last thing, so for the 4th solution: (4) 1-x2-3y2=0, 3-x2-3y2=0.

There isn't a solution for this yeah? Since all the variables x/y cancel out.
 
RyanV said:
Ooo, I see now. I think I managed to confuse myself by using how for eq (1),

since x = 0,

1-x2-3y2=0
1 - 3y2 = 0
Right idea, but wrong equation. That's the one that has to hold if y is 0 and x isn't 0.
One last thing, so for the 4th solution: (4) 1-x2-3y2=0, 3-x2-3y2=0.

There isn't a solution for this yeah? Since all the variables x/y cancel out.
Yup, that combination has no solutions.
 

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