Studying for test : Lagrange Multipliers

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a problem involving Lagrange Multipliers to find the relative extrema of the function \( g(x, y) = x^2y^2 \) subject to the constraint \( f(x, y) = 4x^2 + y^2 = 8 \). The gradients of both functions are calculated, leading to the equations \( 2xy^2 + 2x^2y = \lambda (8x + 2y) \) and \( \lambda = \frac{2xy^2}{8x} \). The solution reveals that the relationship \( 4x^2 = y^2 \) holds, and substituting this into the constraint yields \( y = \pm 2 \) and \( x = \pm 1 \) as the extrema points.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrange Multipliers
  • Knowledge of gradient vectors
  • Familiarity with solving systems of equations
  • Basic calculus concepts, including extrema and constraints
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of Lagrange Multipliers in greater detail
  • Practice solving optimization problems with constraints
  • Explore gradient vector applications in multivariable calculus
  • Learn about alternative optimization techniques, such as the method of substitution
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for calculus exams, particularly those focusing on optimization problems, and educators seeking to enhance their teaching of Lagrange Multipliers.

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Help Please! Studying for test : Lagrange Multipliers!

Good morning all. I am having trouble with the next step to the following problem:

Q.Find all realtive extrema of x^2y^2 subject to the constraint 4x^2 + y^2 = 8.

g(x)= x^2y^2 f(x) = 4x^2 + y^2 = 8.

the gradiant of f = <8x,2y>
the gradiant of g = <2xy^2, 2x^2y>

therefore..

2xy^2 + 2x^2y = lamda (8x+2y)
lamda(8x) = 2xy^2 & lamda(2y)= 2x^2y
lamda = 2xy^2/8x & lamda = 2x^2y/2y
2x^2y/8x = 2xy^2/2y
4x^2 = y^2


I'm confused about how to find the extremas.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks all :smile:
 
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From

[tex]\vec{\nabla g}(x,y) =\lambda \vec{\nabla f}(x,y)[/tex]

we know that [itex]\left< 2xy^2, 2x^{2}y\right> = \lambda \left< 8x, 2y\right>[/itex]

cancel a 2, and get this system

[tex]xy^2 = \lambda 4x, x^{2}y = \lambda y[/tex]

multiply the 1st by x, and the 2nd by y to get

[tex]x^{2}y^2 = \lambda 4x^2, x^{2}y^2 = \lambda y^2[/tex]

so [itex]\lambda 4x^2 = \lambda y^2[/itex] so that if [itex]\lambda \neq 0[/itex], we have [itex]4x^2 =y^2[/itex].

then use the constraint [itex]4x^2+ y^2 = 8 \Rightarrow y^2+ y^2 = 8[/itex]. Hence [itex]y =\pm \sqrt{4} = \pm 2[/itex].

From [itex]4x^2 =y^2[/itex], we have [itex]x =\pm \sqrt{\frac {y^2}{4}} =\pm \frac {y}{2} = \pm 1[/itex]
 
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