Shortest & largest distance from origo to ellipse

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the largest and shortest distances from the origin to an ellipse defined by the equation g(x, y) = 13x^2 + 13y^2 + 10xy = 72. The function to optimize is the distance from the origin, represented as F(x, y) = √(x^2 + y^2), which is simplified to f(x, y) = x^2 + y^2 for optimization purposes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to set up the equations using Lagrange multipliers, leading to the conclusion that x = y. They express uncertainty about finding the other optimal value after determining one distance.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on substituting values back into the ellipse equation to find corresponding y-values. The original poster later realizes an alternative relationship (x = -y) that could lead to different points, indicating a shift in their understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a known answer indicating that one of the distances is the minimum, suggesting that they are working within a framework of expected results. There is an implication of confusion regarding the assumptions made about the relationship between x and y.

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Homework Statement


Find the largest and shortest distance from origo to the ellipse.

Homework Equations


Ellipse: [itex]g(x, y) = 13x^2 + 13y^2 + 10xy = 72[/itex]
Function to optimize: [itex]F(x, y) = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}[/itex]
But this is easier to optimize: [itex]f(x, y) = x^2 + y^2[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I set up the equations, [itex]\nabla f = \lambda \nabla g[/itex], which got me that [itex]x = y[/itex]. [itex]g(x) = 36x^2 = 72[/itex] and [itex]x^2 = 2[/itex] which got me that one of the values (either minimum or maximum) is [itex]F(x, y) = 2[/itex].

The question is, how do I get the other value?
 
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If [itex]x^2= 2[/itex] then [itex]x= \pm\sqrt{2}[/itex]. Put that back into the equation of the ellipse and solve for y.
 
Yes, but I got [itex]x^2 = 2[/itex] from that equation, only because [itex]x = y[/itex].
I meant the other optima. According to the answers, 2 is the minimum. So I'm looking for the maximum.
 
Ohh, nevermind... now that I checked the answer, [itex]x = -y[/itex].
The thing is, I got [itex]x^2 = y^2[/itex] and assumed that [itex]x = y[/itex], but obviously [itex]x = -y[/itex] is correct too and gives different points.
Thanks anyway :).
 

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