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# (x*z=36) what two numbers make x+4z minimum?

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(x*z=36) what two numbers make x+4z minimum?

Guest May 17, 2014

#7
+8

It's not the first one I ever got "wrong.'

Believe me....!!

--- Francis says, It may not be your first mistake, but it’s your last.

One smart Mule, that Francis is. … Yes Sir! One smart Mule.

Guest May 18, 2014
#1
+88898
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So ....using the first equation...we have

z = 36/x

And substituting this into the second equation, we have

x + 4(36/x)

So...taking the derivative of this and setting it to 0, we have

1 - 144/x^2 = 0

1 = 144/x^2

x^2 = 144

x =12 or -12

And putting both of these values into the first equation, we have

z = 36/12 = 3   or z = 36/-12 = -3

And using the second equation, we have

12 + 4(3) = 24  or

-12 + 4(-3) = -24

So x = -3 and z = -12 minimize x + 4z

P.S. - Could another mathematician check this??? Thanks!!

CPhill  May 17, 2014
#2
+93356
+8

Hi Chris, your answer is correct right down to the last statement.  Then you have drawn an incorrect conclusion.

In NSW, Australia, the dept of Education demand that the second derivative used to determine the nature of the stat point.  In this case there could even be a good reason.

I let T=x+4z=x+144x-1

What sould be noted is that T=x+144x-1 has a discontinuity at x=0

This is why your 'obvious' conclusion is incorrect. (Look at the graph)

$$\frac{dT}{dx}=1-144x^{-2}\\\\ \frac{d^2T}{dx^2}=288x^{-3}\\\\$$

When x>0, T''>0 therefore any stat pt will be a minimum

When x<0, T''

Therefore there is a local minimum at x=12 and z=3 but this is not an absolute minimum(not sure about the wording)

All negative x values will make x+4z smaller.  There is no absolute minimum value.

Melody  May 18, 2014
#3
+88898
+5

Glad you checked it !!! "Thumbs Up" and a green check from me!!

CPhill  May 18, 2014
#4
+4150
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WHAT CPhill getting a question wrong mind blown......

zegroes  May 18, 2014
#5
+88898
0

It's not the first one I ever got "wrong.'

Believe me....!!

CPhill  May 18, 2014
#6
+93356
0

Chris and I take turns at getting things wrong. I'm on a roll at the moment but a few days back I was starting to feel like everything I posted was wrong!

Maybe they are still wrong and the errors just haven't been 'pick up' yet. lol

Melody  May 18, 2014
#7
+8

It's not the first one I ever got "wrong.'

Believe me....!!

--- Francis says, It may not be your first mistake, but it’s your last.

One smart Mule, that Francis is. … Yes Sir! One smart Mule.

Guest May 18, 2014