Studying for test : Lagrange Multipliers

In summary: So \left( \pm 1, \pm 2\right) are the four critical points to be tested in the x-y plane.In summary, the problem is finding the relative extrema of x^2y^2 subject to the constraint 4x^2 + y^2 = 8. The gradient of f(x) is <8x, 2y> and the gradient of g(x) is <2xy^2, 2x^2y>. By setting these two gradients equal to each other and solving for x and y, we find that the critical points are (±1,±2). These points can then be tested
  • #1
love4math
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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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  • #2
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]
 
Last edited:

Related to Studying for test : Lagrange Multipliers

1. What are Lagrange multipliers?

Lagrange multipliers are a mathematical tool used to find the maximum or minimum value of a function subject to a set of constraints. They involve using the gradient of the function and the constraints to find the critical points.

2. How do Lagrange multipliers help with studying for a test?

Lagrange multipliers can be used to solve optimization problems, which are often found in math and science exams. By understanding how to use Lagrange multipliers, you can confidently approach these types of questions on a test.

3. What are some common applications of Lagrange multipliers?

Lagrange multipliers have a wide range of applications in various fields such as economics, physics, and engineering. They are commonly used in optimization problems, constrained optimization, and constrained optimization with inequality constraints.

4. Are there any limitations to using Lagrange multipliers?

Yes, Lagrange multipliers may not always provide the global optimum solution to a problem. They can also be difficult to use for functions with many variables or complex constraints.

5. How can I practice using Lagrange multipliers for a test?

A great way to practice using Lagrange multipliers is to solve practice problems and past exam questions that involve optimization and constrained optimization. You can also find resources online that provide step-by-step explanations and examples.

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