need help on lagrange multiplier problem. Q: Find the maximum and minimum values of the function f(x; y) = x^2y on the ellipse 4x2+9y2 =36. Explain the geometry of the solution by plotting the ellipse and looking at contours of the function f.
opps the equation of the ellipse 36=4x^2+9y^2
Rbrass, you have to take the derivative implicitly, since the function is defined in term of both variables. As for the geometry and contours, look at your resulting equation to determine that.
i know the gradient of f(x,y)= the gradient of g(x,y)* a constant so from that i got <2xy,x^2>=k<8x,18y> where k is some constant
okay any idea on how to solve for the min/max points? i got the equations 2xy=k8x x^2=k18y 0=4x^2+9y^2+36
i mean 0=4x^2-9y^2-36
don't really know where to go from there
Rbrass33, is that second function \[f(x,y) = x ^{2y}\]? for real? lol
oh no its (x^2)*y sorry about that
\[f(x,y) = yx^2\]
yup thats what i meant to put
This one's beyond me; sorry I can't help for now
haha its okay thanks for trying
First, it helps to get a visual before we dive into the gnarly algebra: go to http://www.wolframalpha.com and type extrema of x^2y on 36=4x^2+9y^2
oh nice i didn't know you could do that on wolfram
Here are some great notes on lagrange multipliers: http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcIII/LagrangeMultipliers.aspx
okay thanks i found 3 equations but i still don't have enough information to solve them 2xy=k8x x^2=k18y 0=4x^2+9y^2-36
ahhh figured it out...thanks mathematica
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