Multivariable Calculus: Max/min values inside closed interval?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the maximum and minimum values of the function f(x,y) = 2x - y + x^2 + y^2 within the constraint x^2 + y^2 ≤ 4. Participants are exploring methods to solve this problem without using Lagrange multipliers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using partial derivatives to find critical points and consider the boundary defined by the circle x^2 + y^2 = 4. There are questions about the validity of the methods used, particularly regarding the handling of square roots and multiple solutions for y.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the approach, noting the importance of considering both roots when solving for y. There is a recognition of multiple candidate points for maximum and minimum values, but no consensus on the final outcome has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraint of not using Lagrange multipliers and are exploring various methods to analyze the function within the given circular boundary.

MSG100
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Hi!

My question is:
Find maximum and minimum values of the function:

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2

when x^2+y^2 ≤ 4

I would like to solve this without using Lagrange method.

I get
x=-1 and y=1/2 when using partial derivative and set it equql to 0.

I can see that the maximum value must be at the edge of the circle, therefore x^2+y^2 = 4

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2 =
2x-y+4 =
2x - sqrt( 4 - x^2 ) + 4

I derivative and get:

2 + x/(sqrt(4-x^2))=0

x=-4/sqrt(5)

Hmm, is this really the right method?
 
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MSG100 said:
Hi!

My question is:
Find maximum and minimum values of the function:

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2

when x^2+y^2 ≤ 4

I would like to solve this without using Lagrange method.

I get
x=-1 and y=1/2 when using partial derivative and set it equql to 0.

I can see that the maximum value must be at the edge of the circle, therefore x^2+y^2 = 4

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2 =
2x-y+4 =
2x - sqrt( 4 - x^2 ) + 4

You mean ##2x \color{red}{\pm} \sqrt{4-x^2}+4##. You get two ##y## values for each ##x## on the circle.

I derivative and get:

2 + x/(sqrt(4-x^2))=0

x=-4/sqrt(5)

Hmm, is this really the right method?

I didn't check your last steps but, yes, that method should work. Don't let the square roots scare you.
 
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MSG100 said:
Hi!

My question is:
Find maximum and minimum values of the function:

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2

when x^2+y^2 ≤ 4

I would like to solve this without using Lagrange method.

I get x=-1 and y=1/2 when using partial derivative and set it equql to 0.
So (-1, 1/2) is one candidate.

I can see that the maximum value must be at the edge of the circle, therefore x^2+y^2 = 4

f(x,y) = 2x-y+x^2+y^2 = 2x-y+4 = 2x - sqrt( 4 - x^2 ) + 4

I [STRIKE]derivative[/STRIKE] differentiate and get:

2 + x/(sqrt(4-x^2))=0

x=-4/sqrt(5)

Hmm, is this really the right method?
Your work is fine, but when you solve for y in terms of x, you get two roots ##y=\pm\sqrt{4-x^2}##. You need to consider the second solution still.
 
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Thanks both of you!

I forgotten the second root.
Now I can continue and see what I get for answer.
 
It wasn't as easy as I thought.

I get x=4/(sqrt(5) and x=-4/sqrt(5)

It seems that x=4/(sqrt(5) is correct when I studie the the 3D picture http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=f%28x%2Cy%29%3D2x-y%2Bx^2%2By^2

Do I need to studie the egde of the circle using 2csot, 2sint? I increase the value by increase x.
 
Ok let's see if I'm on the right track.

I solve for y:

x^2+y^2=4

y=±sqrt(4-y^2)

I put it in the equation and differentiate:

f(y)=2*±sqrt(4-y^2)-y+4=
f´(y)=±(2 y)/sqrt(4-y^2)-1

When I set it equal to 0:

y= -(2/sqrt(5))
y= (2/sqrt(5))If I sum it up I have three candidates:

Point I (-1, 1/2)
Point II (4/sqrt(5)), (-2/sqrt(5))
Point III (-4/sqrt(5)), (2/sqrt(5))If I insert each point into the original equation I get:

Point I = -5/4 =-1.25
Point II = 2(2+sqrt(5)) ≈ 8.47
Point III = 4-2*sqrt(5) ≈-0.47

Point I = minimum
Point II = maximum

Is this solution good enough?
 
Looks good.
 
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