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TWO OPTIMIZATION EXAMPLES

 

Find the point on the graph of z = x2 + y2 closest to the point (5,5,0).

d = [(x-5)2 + (y-5)2 + (z - 0)2]1/2

d(x,y) = [(x-5)2 + (y-5)2 + (x2+y2)2]1/2

d2 = f(x,y) = (x-5)2 + (y-5)2 + (x2+y2)2

     Solve the system below.

fx = 2(x-5) + 2(x2+y2)(2x) = 0

fy = 2(y-5) + 2(x2+y2)(2y) = 0

     y(x-5) + y(x2+y2)(2x) = 0

     x(y-5) + x(x2+y2)(2y) = 0

Subtraction produces -5y + 5x = 0 which yields

     x = y

Back substitution produces

     x - 5 + 2x(2x2) = 0

     4x3 + x - 5 = 0

The solutions are 

x = 1, x = -1/2 - i and x = -1/2 + 1

For x=1, y=1, and z=2.

The point on the graph of z = x2 + y2 closest to the point (5,5,0) is (1,1,2).  d(1,1) = 6 

The graph at the right is the graph of d(x,y).  Click on the graph to see it rotate.

In constructing an open topped box it costs $3 per square foot for the base and $2 per square foot for the sides.  Find the dimensions of the box of maximum volume that can be constructed for $100.

Let x = width of base, y = length of base, z = height

3xy + 4xz + 4yz = 100

z = (100 - 3xy)/(4x + 4y)     (1)

V = xyz

V(x,y) = xy(100 - 3xy)/(4x + 4y)

Vx = (400y2 - 12x2y2 - 24xy3)/(4x + 4y)2 = 0

Vy = (400x2 - 12x2y2 - 24yx3)/(4x + 4y)2 = 0

This leads to the system

100 - 3x2 - 6xy = 0

100 - 3y2 - 6xy = 0

and subtraction leads to x = y.

Back substitution produces

100 - 9x2 = 0 so x = 10/3 and y = 10/3

Substituting into (1) above produces z = 5/2.

Thus the volume is a maximum if the dimensions are

10/3 ft by 10/3 ft by 5/2 ft 

and the maximum volume is 250/9 cubic ft.

The graph at the right is the graph of V(x,y).  Click on the graph to see it rotate.

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        Lane Vosbury, Mathematics, Seminole State College   email:  vosburyl@seminolestate.edu

        This page was last updated on 08/21/14          Copyright 2002          webstats