Maximizing Profit Function Of Two Variables

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing a profit function of two variables, K and L. Participants explore the necessary steps to find critical points and apply differentiation techniques to determine maximum profit, with a focus on understanding the mathematical process involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests explicit help with equations to solve for maximum profit.
  • Another participant suggests finding critical points by setting the first partial derivatives to zero and using the second partials test for relative extrema.
  • A participant expresses confusion and requests a simpler explanation, indicating a lack of understanding of the problem.
  • There is a discussion about the profit function, with one participant questioning the presence of uncombined constant terms.
  • One participant asserts confidence in the correctness of the profit function as stated.
  • After clarification, the profit function is rewritten to combine constant terms, leading to a request for the first partial derivative with respect to K.
  • Another participant mentions finding a similar example in their textbook, suggesting a potential understanding of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding, with some feeling lost while others show confidence in their grasp of the material. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the complete solution to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the differentiation process and the application of the second partials test, as well as the initial formulation of the profit function.

MioMio
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Yes, please help me solve! Explain it very explicitly with equations and not just text.

1) Find the combination of K and L that ensures the maximum profit and find the maximum profit. The profit is given by the following function:where:
 

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First you need to find the critical points, which will be the solutions of:

\[\pi_K(K,L)=0\]
\[\pi_L(K,L)=0\]

Then you need to use the second partials test for relative extrema. What do you have so far?
 
I have nothing. To be honest with you, I am totally lost. Could you explain it so that even a stupid person might understand it?

I'm sorry to bother you.
 
MioMio said:
I have nothing. To be honest with you, I am totally lost. Could you explain it so that even a stupid person might understand it?

I'm sorry to bother you.

Okay, we are given the profit function:

$$\pi(K,L)=K-2K^2-KL-\frac{1}{2}L^2-\color{red}\frac{1}{4}\color{black}+L+\color{red}\frac{3}{4}$$

After having looked more closely at the profit function, is seems odd to me that there are two constant terms that have not been combined (in red). Before we proceed, are you certain the profit function is stated correctly?
 
I'm 100% sure
 
MioMio said:
I'm 100% sure

Okay, then let's clean it up by combining those term, so that we have:

$$\pi(K,L)=K-2K^2-KL-\frac{1}{2}L^2+L+\frac{1}{2}$$

So, first let's compute the first partial with respect to $K$, denoted by:

$$\pi_K(K,L)$$ or $$\pd{\pi}{K}$$

We use the familiar rules of differentiation, while treating $L$ as a constant. What do you get for this partial?
 
I have actually just found an example in my textbook that resembles this one, so I think I understand it now. I'm really sorry for taking your time, but I hope it's all right if I return to you if I have any questions. And thank you again for taking the time to help me, it means a lot.
 
MioMio said:
I have actually just found an example in my textbook that resembles this one, so I think I understand it now. I'm really sorry for taking your time, but I hope it's all right if I return to you if I have any questions. And thank you again for taking the time to help me, it means a lot.

Glad to help, and certainly if you have any questions when you are working this problem, please don't hesitate to ask. :D
 

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