Toronto Math Forum

APM346-2022S => APM346--Tests & Quizzes => Final Exam => Topic started by: Weihan Luo on April 23, 2022, 02:19:38 PM

Title: Alternative solution to the optimization in Problem 2 on the practice final
Post by: Weihan Luo on April 23, 2022, 02:19:38 PM
Could I have solved the maximization/minimization using Lagrange multipliers? In particular, define $g_1(x,y) = y-x$, $g_2(x,y) = y+x$, and $g_3(x,y) = -(x^2+y^2)+1$. Then, a solution $(x^*,y^*)$ necessarily satisfies $$\nabla{u} + \lambda_1\nabla{g_1} + \lambda_2\nabla{g_2} + \lambda_3\nabla{g_3} = 0$$ and $$\lambda_1{g_1} = 0, \lambda_2{g_2}=0, \lambda_3{g_3}=0$$

for some $\lambda_{i} \geq 0$.

Then, after finding the points $(x^*, y^*)$, I need to verify that $$\nabla^2{u} + \lambda_1\nabla^2{g_1} + \lambda_2\nabla^2{g_2} + \lambda_3\nabla^2{g_3} $$ is positive definite on the tangent space $T_{x^*,y^*}D$.

Would this approach also work?

Title: Re: Alternative solution to the optimization in Problem 2 on the practice final
Post by: Victor Ivrii on April 25, 2022, 07:51:30 AM
Yes, it can be solved using Lagrange multiplies. However note, if restrictions are $g_1\le 0$, $g_2\le 0$, $g_3\le 0$ you need to consider
It will be, however, more cumbersome. Note that (1) corresponds to two rays and one arc, (2) to two corners.

No, you need not consider quadratic forms after you found all suspicious points. It would serve no purpose.