Bangladesh Open University

Maxima and Minima

This unit is designed to introduce the learners to the basic concepts

associated with Optimization. The readers will learn about
different types of functions that are closely related to optimization
problems. This unit discusses maxima and minima of simple
polynomial functions and develops the concept of critical points
along with the first derivative test and next the concavity test. This
unit also discusses the procedure of determining the optimum
(maximum or minimum) point with single variable function,
multivariate function and constrained equations. Some relevant
business and economic applications of maxima and minima are
also provided in this unit for clear understanding to the learners.

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Lesson-1: Optimization of Single Variable Function

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:
Describe the concept of different types of functions;
Explain the maximum, minimum and point of inflection of a
function;
Describe the methodology for determining optimization
conditions for mathematical functions with single variable;
Determine the maximum and minimum of a function with single
variable;
Determine the inflection point of a function with single variable.

Introduction
Optimization is a predominant theme in management and economic
analysis. For this reason, the classical calculus methods of finding free
and constrained extrema and the more recent techniques of mathematical
programming occupy an important place in management and economics.
The most common criterion of choice among alternatives in economics is
the goal of maximizing something (i.e. profit maximizing, utility
maximizing, growth rate maximizing etc.) or of minimizing something
(i.e. cost minimizing). Economically, we may categorize such
maximization and minimization problems under the general heading of
optimization, which means the quest for the best. The present lesson is
devoted to a brief discussion of optimization with single variable
function.

The most common

criterion of choice
among alternatives in
economics is the goal
of maximizing
something or of
minimizing
something.

Increasing Function
A function f (x ) is said to be increasing at x a if the immediate
vicinity of the point ( a, f ( a )) the graph of the function rises as it
moves from left to right.
Since the first derivative measures the rate of change and slope of a
function, a positive first derivative at x a indicates the function is
increasing at x=a, i.e. f (a ) 0 means increasing function at x a .

Decreasing Function:
A function f (x) is said to be decreasing at x = a if the immediate vicinity
of the point (a, f (a)) the graph of the function falls as it moves from left
to right. Since the first derivative measures the rate of change and slope
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A function f (x) is
said to be decreasing
at x = a if the
immediate vicinity of
the point (a, f (a)) the
graph of the function
falls as it moves from
left to right.

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of a function, a negative first derivative at x = a indicates the function is

decreasing at x = a, i.e. f(a) < 0; means decreasing function at x = a.

Concave Function:
A function f (x ) is concave at x a if in some small region close to
the point ( a, f ( a )) the graph of the function lies completely below its
tangent line. A negative second derivative at x a denotes the function
is concave at x a . The sign of the first derivative is immaterial for
concavity.
y

0
f (a ) 0; f (a)

OO
a

f (a ) 0;

f (a ) 0

Convex Function:
A function f(a) is
convex at x = a if in
an area very close to
the point (a, f(a)) the
graph of the function
lies completely above
its tangent line.

A function f(a) is convex at x = a if in an area very close to the point (a,

f(a)) the graph of the function lies completely above its tangent line. A
positive second derivative at x = a denotes the function is convex at x =
a.
y

0
f (a ) 0; f (a)

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x O

f (a ) 0;

f (a ) 0

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Inflection Points:
An inflection point is a point on the graph where the function crosses its
tangent line and changes from concave to convex or vice versa.
Inflection points occur only where the second derivative equals zero or is
undefined. Hence, the sign of the first derivative is immaterial.
y
y

0
f (a ) 0; f (a)

f ( a ) 0;

f ( a ) 0;

An inflection point is
a point on the graph
where the function
crosses its tangent
line and changes
from concave to
convex or vice versa.

f ( a ) 0

f (a ) 0

f (a ) 0;

f (a ) 0

Maxima:
A function f (x) is said to have attained at any of its maximum values at x
= a if the function ceases to increase and begins to decrease at x = a.
In other words, a function f (x ) is said to be maximum at a point
x a if f (a) is greater than any other values of f (x) in the
neighbourhood of x a .

Minima:
A function f (x ) is said to have attained at any of its minimum values at
x a if the function ceases to decrease and begins to increase at x a .
In other words, a function f (x ) is said to be maximum at a point
x a if f (a) is less than any other values of f (x) in the
neighbourhood of x a .

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A function f (x) is
said to have attained
at any of its
maximum values at x
= a if the function
ceases to increase
and begins to

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A3
A2
y
A1

B3
B1

B2

In the above figure, which represents graphically the function y f (x )

, a continuous function, has maximum values at A1, A2, A3 and has
minimum values at B1, B2, B3.
From the figure, the following features regarding maxima and minima of
a continuous function will be apparent:
(i) A function may have more than one maximum and minimum
values. A function may have several maxima and minima in an
interval where the function is defined.
(ii) It is not necessary that a maximum value of a function is always
greater than other minimum values of the function. Any
maximum value of a function may be less than any other
minimum value of a function.
(iii) In between two maxima, there should be at least one minimum
value of the function. Similarly, at least one maximum value of
the function must lie between two minimum values of the
function. In other words, there is a minimum value of the
function between two consecutive maximum values and vice
versa. Thus we observe that maximum and minimum values of
a function occur alternately.
(iv) In Calculus, we are concerned with a relative maximum or a
relative minimum value of a function and not with an absolute
maximum or absolute minimum values.

A function f (x) is
said to reach an
absolute maximum at
x = a if f (a) > f (x)
for any other values
of x in the domain of f

(v) The maximum or minimum point is called a turning point in a

curve. The values of the function at these points are called
turning values. For the maximum point, the curve ceases to
ascend and begins to descend. Such turning value of the
function is a maximum. For the minimum point, the curve
ceases to descend and begins to ascend and the turning value is
a minimum at the turning point.

Absolute and Local Maxima and Minima:

A function f (x) is said to reach an absolute maximum at x = a if f (a) > f
(x) for any other values of x in the domain of f (x). On the other hand, a
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function f (x) is said to reach an absolute minimum at x = a if f (a) < f (x)

for any other values of x in the domain of f (x).
If a function f (x ) is defined on an interval (b, c ) which contains
x a , f (x) is said to reach a relative (local) maximum at x a if
f ( a ) f ( x) for all other values of x within the interval (b, c ) . A
relative (local) maximum refers to a point where the value of f (x ) is
greater than values for any other points that are nearby. Again, if a
function f (x ) is defined on an interval (b, c ) that contains x a ,
f (x ) is said to reach a relative (local) minimum at x a if
f (a ) f ( x) for all other values of x within the interval (b, c ) . A
relative (local) minimum refers to a point where the value of f (x) is
lower than values for any other points that are nearby.

From the figure, f (x) reaches an absolute maximum at x c . It

reaches an absolute minimum at x b . Again, f (x ) has relative
maxima at x a and x c . Similarly, f (x ) has relative minima at
x b and x d .
It should be noted that a point on the graph of a function could be both a
relative maximum (minimum) and an absolute maximum (minimum).
Thus, local maxima and minima can be determined from the first and
second derivatives. The absolute maxima and minima can be found only
by comparing the local maxima and local minima with the value of the
function at the end points and by selecting the absolute maximum and
minimum.
Working Rules for Finding of Maximum, Minimum and Point of
Inflection of a Function with Single Variable:
Step 1:

Differentiate the given function and equate to zero and also

find the roots.
dy
dy
(i.e. find
and put
= 0. Calculate the stationary point.)
dx
dx

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Local maxima and

minima can be
determined from the
first and second
derivatives.

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Step 2: Again differentiate the given function and put the values of
roots in this second derivative function one by one (i.e. compute

d2y
at these stationary points).
dx 2
Step 3: If the second derivative is positive for a root then the given
function is minimum. On the other hand, if the second
derivative is negative for a root then the given function is
maximum.

Illustrative Examples:
Example-1:
(i) f ( x ) 3 x 2 14 x 5

Let

(ii) f ( x) x 3 7 x 2 6 x 2
(iii) f ( x ) x 4 6 x 3 4 x 2 13
Identify whether the above functions are increasing, decreasing or
stationary at x 4 .
Solution:
(i) Given that, f ( x ) 3 x 2 14 x 5

d ( f ( x))
f ( x) 6 x 14
dx
f (4) 6 4 14 10 0
Thus, the function is increasing.
(ii) Given that, f ( x) x 3 7 x 2 6 x 2

d ( f ( x))
f ( x) 3x 2 14 x 6
dx
f (4) 3(4) 2 14( 4) 6 2 0

Thus, the function is decreasing.

(iii) Given that, f ( x ) x 4 6 x 3 4 x 2 13

d ( f ( x))
f ( x) 4 x 3 18 x 2 8 x
dx
f ( 4) 4( 4) 3 18( 4) 2 8(4) 0

Thus, the function is stationary.

Example-2:
Let

(i) f ( x) 2 x 3 4 x 2 9 x 15
(ii) f ( x) (5 x 2 8) 2

Identify whether the above functions are concave or convex at x 3 .

Solution:
(i) Given that, f ( x) 2 x 3 4 x 2 9 x 15
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d ( f ( x))
f ( x) 6 x 2 8 x 9
dx

d 2 ( f ( x))
f ( x) 12 x 8
dx 2
f (3) 12(3) 8 28 0
Thus, the function is concave.
(ii) Given that, f ( x) (5 x 2 8) 2

d ( f ( x))
f ( x) 2(5 x 2 8)(10 x) 100 x 3 160 x
dx
f ( x) 300 x 2 160
f (3) 300(3) 2 160 2540 0

Thus, the function is convex.

Example-3:
Find the maximum and
x 4 2 x 3 3x 2 4 x 4

minimum

values

of

the

function:

Solution:
Let y = x 4 2 x 3 3x 2 4 x 4 .
dy
4x3 6x 2 6x 4
dx
dy
0
Now, if
dx
then, 4 x 3 6 x 2 6 x 4 0
or, 2(x + 2)(2x + 1)(x 2) = 0
or, x = 2, 1/2, 1.
To find the maximum and minimum values we have to test these values
in the second derivative of the function, which is

d2y
12 x 2 12 x 6 .
dx 2
When x = 2,

d2y
12( 2) 2 12( 2) 6 66 , which is positive
2
dx

Hence the given function attains minimum at x = 2

And the minimum value is = x 4 2 x 3 3x 2 4 x 4
f(2) = ( 2) 4 2( 2) 3 3( 2) 2 4( 2) 4 = 0
When x = 1/2,

d2y
1
1
12( ) 2 12( ) 6 9 , which is
2
dx
2
2

negative
Hence the given function attains maximum at x = 1/2
And the maximum value is = x 4 2 x 3 3x 2 4 x 4
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1 4
1 3
1 2
1
81
f (1/2) = ( ) 2( ) 3( ) 4( ) 4 =
2
2
2
2
61
When x = 1,

d2y
12(1) 2 12(1) 6 18 , which is positive
2
dx

Hence the given function attains minimum at x =1.

And the minimum value is = x 4 2 x 3 3x 2 4 x 4
f(1) = (1) 4 2(1) 3 3(1) 2 4(1) 4 = 0
Example-4:
Show that the curve y x 2 (3 x ) has a point of inflection at the point
(1, 2).
Solution:
We are given that, y x 2 (3 x) 3 x 2 x 3 .

dy
6 x 3x 2
dx
d2y
6 6x
dx 2
d3y
6
dx 3
For point of inflection, we must have,
Now, if

d2y
dy 3
0 and
0
dx 2
dx 3

d2y
0
dx 2

then, 6 6x = 0
or,
x=1
And when x 1 ,

dy 3
0
dx 3

When x 1 , then y 2 .
Hence (1, 2) is the point of inflection.
Example-5:
A sitar manufacturer notices that he can sells x sitars per week at p Taka
each where 5 x 375 3 p . The cost of production is
1 2

500 13 x x Taka. Show that the maximum profit is obtained

5

when the production is 30 sitars per week.

Solution:
Given that, 5 x 375 3 p
375 5 x
Thus, price p
3
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Revenue = price quantity

375 5 x
x
=
3
=

375 x 5 x 2
3

1 2

Cost = 500 13 x x
5

Profit = Revenue Cost

P=

1 2
375 x 5 x 2
- 500 13 x x
5
3

375 x 5 x 2
1x 2

500 13 x
3
3
5
Differentiate it with respect to x,
dP 375 10 x
2x

13
dx
3
3
5
dP 375 10 x
2x

13
For maxima and minima,
=0
dx
3
3
5
x 30 .
Again,

P =

d 2P
10 2
56

ve
2
dx
3 5
15
Thus, the profit function is the maximum at x 30 .
Example-6:
A manufacturer sells x units of a product at a dollar price of
p p ( x) 6565 10 x 0.1x 2 per unit. The cost of manufacturing
the product is
C ( x) 0.05 x 3 5 x 2 20 x 250000, 0 x 150 . How many
units should be produced and sold to maximize the resulting profit?

Solution:
Total revenue = (Price per unit)

(Number of units sold)

R ( x ) (6565 10 x 0.1x ) x 6565 x 10 x 2 0.1x 3

2

Profit, P(x) = Revenue Cost

=
(6565 x 10 x 2 0.1x 3 ) (0.05 x 3 5 x 2 20 x 250000)

0.15 x 3 5 x 2 6545 x 250000

To determine the quantity x that maximizes the profit function, we first
find,
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dP
0.45 x 2 10 x 6545
dx
Setting this first derivative equals to zero, we solve for critical values of
x and x 110 (Other root is outside of the domain).
Now

d 2P
0.9 x 10
dx 2
( 0.9 )( 110 ) 10 109 0 ; indicating that this
critical value does indeed represent a maximum.

P(110) = - 0.15(110)3 5(110)2 + 6545(110) 250000 = $209800.

Example-7:
A Company has examined its cost structure and revenue structure and
has determined that C, the total cost, R, the total revenue and x, the
number
of
units
produced
are
related
as:
2
C 100 0.015 x
and R 3 x .
Find the production level x that will maximize the profits of the
company. Find that profit. Find also the profit when x 120 .
Solution:
Profit, P(x) = Revenue Cost = R C
P( x ) 3 x ( 100 0.015 x 2 ) 3 x 100 0.015 x 2

dP
3 0.030 x
dx
dP
0
For maximum or minimum,
dx
3 0.030 x 0
x 100 units
Hence,

d 2P
0.030 0
dx 2
Thus, profit will be maximum when x 100 and the maximum profit
Also

P 3 100 100 0.015 (100) 2 50

When x 120 , Profit, P 3 120 100 0.015 (120) 2 44 .

Example-8:
1 3
x 5 x 2 28 x 10
3
where C is the total cost and x is the output of the product. A tax at the
rate of $2 per unit of product is imposed and the producer adds it to his
cost. If the market demand function is given by p 2530 5 x , where
p is the price per unit of output, find the profit maximizing output and
price.
The total cost function of a firm is given by C

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Solution:
Profit, P(x) = Total Revenue Total Cost = TR TC
1
P( x) {( 2530 5 x) x} {( x 3 5 x 2 28 x 10) 2 x}
3
1
( 2530 x 5 x 2 ) ( x 3 5 x 2 30 x 10)
3
dP
(2530 10 x ) ( x 2 10 x 30) .
Hence,
dx
dP
0
For maximum or minimum,
dx
( 2530 10 x) ( x 2 10 x 30) 0

x 2 2500 units
x 50 (since production level cannot be negative, so
ignoring ve sign)
Also

d 2P
2 x 0
dx 2

Thus, profit will be maximum when x 50 units and the maximum

profit
P = 2530 5 50 = $2280

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Questions for Review:

These questions are designed to help you assess how far you have
understood and can apply the learning you have accomplished by
answering (in written form) the following questions:
1.

Identify whether the following function is increasing, decreasing

or stationary at x 5 . Find also identify whether the function is
concave or convex at x 5 .
f ( x ) 2 x 3 30 x 2 126 x 59 .

2.

A firm has determined that its weekly profit function is given by

P( x ) 95 x 0.05 x 2 5000;
0 x 1000
where P(x) is the profit in dollars and x is the number of units of
the product sold.
For what value of x does profit reach a maximum? What is this
maximum profit?

3.

A study has shown that the cost of producing Orange Juice of a

manufacturing concern is given by C 30 1.5 x 0.0008 x 2 .
What is the marginal cost at x 1000 ?
If the Juice sells for Tk.5 each for what values of x does marginal
cost equal marginal revenue? [Hint: Marginal cost is the value of
dC/dx at x = 1000.]

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Lesson-2: Optimization of Multivariate Functions

After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
Express the concept of optimization with multivariate function;
Determine the maximum and minimum point of a multivariate
function.

Introduction:
Many economic activities involve functions of more than one
independent variable. Let Z f ( x, y ) and P f ( x, y , z ) are
defined as functions of two and three independent variables respectively.
In order to measure the effect of a change in a single independent
variable on the dependent variable in a multivariate function, the partial
derivative is needed. Partial derivative with respect to one of the
independent variables follows the same rules as ordinary differentiation
while the other independent variables are treated as constant. This lesson
extends the ideas of relative maximum and minimum for functions of
one variable to multivariate functions.

Determination of the Maximum and Minimum Values of a

Function with Two Independent Variables:
Let ( x, y ) be a function of two independent variables x and
y. We are to investigate at ( a, b) whether ( x, y ) is
maximum or minimum.
For the existence of a maximum or a minimum at ( a, b)

2
2
2
B
H
,
,
.
xy
y 2
x 2
Case 1: If AB H 2 is positive. ( a, b) is maximum or minimum if

Again let, A

A and B are both negative or are both positive respectively.

Case 2: If AB H 2 is negative, ( a, b) is neither a maximum nor a
minimum.
Case 3: If AB H 2 when A and B have the same signs, the function is
at an inflection point; when A and B have different signs, the
function is at a saddle point.
Case 4: If AB H 2 , the test is inconclusive.
Illustrative Examples:
Example-1:
Determine

the

values

of

and

for

which,

Z 4 x 2 2 y 2 10 x 6 y 4 xy is an optimum; specify whether the

optimum is a maximum or minimum. Calculate the value of the function

at the optimum.
Solution:

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Partial derivative
with respect to one of
the independent
variables follows the
same rules as
ordinary differentiation while the
other independent
variables are treated

School of Business

Given that, Z 4 x 2 2 y 2 10 x 6 y 4 xy
z
8 x 4 y 10 0 .....................(i)
x

z
4 x 4 y 6 0 ...................(ii)
y

Solving equations (i) and (ii) simultaneously for x and y gives x = 1

1
and y =
2
2z
2z
2z
4,H=
4
Again, A = 2 8 , B =
2
xy
y
x
AB H2 = (8)(4) ( 4)2 = 16 > 0.
Since the second derivatives are positive and the product of the second
derivatives is greater than the square of the cross partial derivative, the
1
function reaches a relative minimum at x 1 and y .
2
2
2
Z

4
x

2
y

10
x

6
y
4 xy at the
The value of the function
optimum is,
1
1
1
1
1
Z ( 1, ) 4( 1) 2 2( ) 2 10( 1) 6( ) 4( 1)( ) 6
2
2
2
2
2

Example-2:
Determine the values of x and y for which, Z 4 x 2 4 xy
2 y 2 16 x 12 y is an optimum; specify whether the optimum is a
maximum or minimum. Calculate the value of the function at the
optimum.
Solution:
Given that, Z 4 x 2 4 xy 2 y 2 16 x 12 y
z
8 x 4 y 16 0 .......................(i)
x
z
4 x 4 y 12 0
y

........................(ii)

Solving equations (i) and (ii) simultaneously for x and y gives x = 1 and
y=2
2z
2z
2z
4 , H =
4
Again, A = 2 8 , B =
2
xy
y
x

AB H2 = ( 8)( 4) (4)2 = 16 > 0.

Since the second derivatives are negative and the product of the second
derivatives is greater than the square of the cross partial derivative, the
function reaches a relative maximum at x = 1 and y = 2.

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The value of the function Z 4 x 2 4 xy 2 y 2 16 x 12 y at the

optimum is:
Z(1, 2) = 4(1)2 + 4(1)( 2) 2(-2)2 + 16(1) 12( 2) = 20
Example-3:
The total production cost of a
f ( x , y ) x 2 y 2 5 x 9 y xy 90 .

product

is

given

by

where f(x, y) = Total cost in thousand dollar.

x = Number of labor hours used (in hundred).
y = Number of pounds for raw materials used (in hundred).
It is required to determine how many labor hours and how many pounds
of raw materials should be used in order to minimize the total cost.
Solution:
Given that, f ( x , y ) x 2 y 2 5 x 9 y xy 90
The partial derivatives are
f
2 x 5 y 0 ...................(i)
x

f
2 y 9 x 0 ..................(ii)
y

Solving equations (i) and (ii) simultaneously for x and y gives x

and y

23
3

Again, the second order partial derivatives are,

B

19
3

2 f
2,
x 2

2 f
2 f
2, H
1
2
xy
y

AB H 2 (2)(2) (1) 2 3 0 .

Since the second derivatives are positive and the product of the second
derivatives is greater than the square of the cross partial derivative, the
19
23
function reaches a relative minimum at x
and y
.
3
3
The total cost will be minimum when 19/3 hundred (633) labor hours and
23
/3 hundred (767) pounds of raw materials are used. The total cost with
this production strategy is:
19 23
19
23
19
23
19 23
f ( , ) ( ) 2 ( ) 2 5( ) 9( ) ( )( ) 90
3 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
= 39.667 thousand or 39,667.

Determination of the Maximum and Minimum Values of a

Function with Three Independent Variables:
Let ( x, y , z ) be a function of three independent variables x, y and

z. We are to investigate at ( a, b, c ) whether ( x, y , z ) is

maximum or minimum.

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For the existence of a maximum or a minimum at ( a, b, c )

Again

let

2
,
x 2

2
,
y 2

2
, H
xy
zx
2

A
Case 1: ( a, b, c ) is minimum if A,
H

2
,
z 2

2
,
yz

A H G
H
, H B F are all
B
G F C

positive.

A
Case 2: ( a, b, c ) is maximum if A,
H

H
B

A H G
H B F are
G F C

alternately negative and positive.

Case 3: If the above conditions are not satisfied, then ( a, b, c ) is
neither a maximum nor a minimum.
Illustrative Examples:
Example-4:
Show that the function ( x, y, z ) x 2 y 2 z 2 x 2 z xy has a
minimum value at

( 2 , 1 , 1)
3
3

Solution:
We are given that, ( x, y, z ) x 2 y 2 z 2 x 2 z xy .

2x 1 y .
x

2y x

2z 2 .
z

(x, y, z) will be maximum or minimum if

.
That is

0,
0,
0
y
x
z

2 x 1 y = 0 ..............(i)
x

2y x = 0
y

................(ii)

2 z 2 = 0 ..................(iii)
z
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Solving equations (i), (ii) and (iii) simultaneously, we get x = 2/3, y = 1/3
and z = 1.
Again, A =
0,
G=
Since,

2
2
2
2
=
2,
B
=
=
2,
C
=
=
2,
F
=
=
yz
y 2
x 2
z 2

2
2
= 0, H =
= 1.
xy
zx

A
H

2,

A H G 2 -1 0
H B F -1 2 0 6
G F C 0 0 2

H
2

B -1

-1
3
2

and

are all positive.

Hence, the given function (x, y, z) is minimum at

( 2 , 1 , 1 ) .
3
3

Example-5:
Optimize the following function:

y 5 x12 10 x1 x1 x3 2 x 22 4 x 2 2 x 2 x3 4 x32
Solution:
We are given that,
2
2
2
(x1, x2, x3) = y 5 x1 10 x1 x1 x3 2 x 2 4 x 2 2 x 2 x3 4 x3

10 x1 10 x3 0 .
x1

4 x 2 2 x3 4 0
x 2

x1 2 x 2 8 x3 0 .
x3

Solving the above three equations by using Cramers Rule we get

x1 1.04 , x 2 1.22 and x3 0.43 .
Again,

2
A
= 10,
x12

2
B
= 4,
x 22

2
C
x32

= 8,

2
= 2,
x 2 x 3
G

2
2
= 1, H
= 0.
x3 x1
x1 x 2

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Since, A = -10,

A H -10 0
40
H B 0 -4

and

A H G -10 0 1
H B F 0 -4 2 762
G F C 1 2 -8

Since the principal minors alternate correctly in sign, hence the given
function is maximized at x1 1.04 , x 2 1.22 and x3 0.43 .

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Questions for Review:

These questions are designed to help you assess how far you have
understood and can apply the learning you have accomplished by
answering (in written form) the following questions:
1. Find the maxima and minima for the following functions:
(a) f ( x, y ) 2 x 2 4 x y 2 4 y 4 .
(b) f ( x, y ) 2 x 2 4 x 8 y 2 80 y 50 xy 100 .
2. A company produces two products, x units of type A and y units of
type B per month. If the revenue and cost equations for the month
are given by R( x, y ) 11x 14 y and C ( x, y ) x 2 xy 2 y 2
3x 4 y 10 , find the state (x, y) that yields maximum profit.
3. The cost of construction C of a project depends upon number of
skilled workers (x) and unskilled workers (y). It is given that cost
C ( x, y ) 40,000 9 x 3 72 xy 9 y 2 . Determine the number of
skilled and unskilled workers results in minimum cost. Find also the
minimum cost.
4. The yearly profits of a small service organization Econo Ltd. are
dependent upon the number of workers (x) and the number of units
of
advertising
(y),
and
the
profit
function
is,
P ( x, y ) 412 x 806 y x 2 5 y 2 xy . Determine the number
of workers and the number of units in advertising that results in
maximum profits. Determine also the maximum profits.

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Lesson-3: Constrained Optimization with

Lagrangian Multipliers
After completing this lesson, you should be able to:
Express the concept of constrained optimization;
Determine the maximum point of a function with some
constraints;
Determine the minimum point of a function with some
constraints.

Introduction

A decision maker
must consider
different types of
physical and legal
restrictions.

Lagrangian
multipliers provide a
method of
determining the
optimum value of a
differentiable
nonlinear function
subject to linear or

Decision makers do not normally have unlimited resources for their use.
A decision maker must consider different types of physical and legal
restrictions. Solutions to economic problems often have to be found
under constraints, e.g., maximizing utility subject to a budget constraint
or minimizing costs subject to some such minimal requirement of output
as a production quota etc. Classical differential calculus is used to
optimize (maximize or minimize) a function subject to constraint. In this
respect, use of the Lagrangian function greatly facilitates this task.
The Lagrangian multiplier ( ) approximates the marginal impact on the
objective function caused by a small change in the constant of the
constraint. Lagrangian multipliers provide a method of determining the
optimum value of a differentiable nonlinear function subject to linear or
nonlinear constraints. The method of Lagrangian multipliers is useful in
allocating scarce resources between alternative uses. In this lesson, we
shall now consider procedures used for determining relative maxima and
minima for a multivariate function on which certain constraints are
imposed.

Working Rule for Constrained Optimization with Lagrange

Multiplier:
Step 1: Given a function f ( x, y ) subject to a constraint g ( x, y ) K
(a constant), a new function F can be formed by setting the
constraint equal to zero.
Step 2: Multiplying it by (the Lagrange multiplier) and adding the
product to the original function:
F ( x, y , ) f ( x, y ) [ K g ( x, y )]
Step 3: Critical values x, y, at which the function is optimized, are
found by taking the partial derivatives of F with respect to all
three independent variables, setting them equal to zero and
solving simultaneously:
Fx ( x, y, ) 0, Fy ( x, y , ) 0, F ( x, y , ) 0,
Illustrative Examples:
Example -1:
Determine the critical points and the constrained optimum for
Z 4 x 2 2 xy 6 y 2 ; subject to x y 72 .
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Solution:
The Lagrangian function is
F ( x, y, ) f ( x, y ) [ K g ( x, y )]
= 4 x 2 2 xy 6 y 2 (72 x y )
The partial derivatives are
F
8x 2 y 0 .
x
F
2 x 12 y 0 .
y

F
72 x y 0 .

The above three equations are solved simultaneously and we get

x 42, y 30 and 276 .
Thus Z = [4 (42)2 2 (42) (30) + 6 (30)2 + 276 (72 42 30)] = 9936.
With the Lagrangian multiplier = 276 means that one unit increase in
the constant of the constraint will lead to an increase of approximately
276 in the value of the objective function and Z 10212.
Example-2:
Determine the critical points and the constrained optima for
Z x 2 3 xy y 2 ; subject to x y 100 .
Solution:
The Lagrangian function is
F ( x, y , ) f ( x, y ) [ K g ( x, y )]
= x 2 3xy y 2 (100 x y )
The partial derivatives are
F
2x 3y 0 .
x
F
3x 2 y 0 .
y

F
100 x y 0 .

The above three equations are solved simultaneously and we get

x 50, y 50 and 250 . Thus, the constrained optimum,
Z = [(50)2 + 3 (50) (50) + (50)2 - 250 (100 50 50)] = 12500.
To determine if the function reaches a maximum or a minimum, we
evaluate the function at points adjacent to x = 50 and y = 50. The
function is a constrained maximum since adding x and y to the
function in both directions gives a functional value less than the
constrained optimum.
That is F (49, 51, 250 ) = 12,499
F (51, 49, 250) = 12,499.
Example-3:

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What output mix should a profit maximizing firm produce when its total
profit function is 80 x 2 x 2 xy 3 y 2 100 y and its maximum
output capacity is x y 12 ? Estimate also the effect on profits if
output capacity is expanded by one unit.
Solution:
The Lagrangian function is
F ( x, y , ) f ( x, y ) [ K g ( x, y )]
= 80 x 2 x 2 xy 3 y 2 100 y (12 x y )
The partial derivatives are
F
80 4 x y 0 .
x
F
x 6 y 100 0 .
y

F
12 x y 0 .

The above three equations are solved simultaneously and we get

x 5, y 7 and 53 .
Thus profit, [ 80( 5 ) 2( 5 )2 ( 5 )( 7 ) 3( 7 )2 100( 7 ) 868 .
Hence, =53 means that an increase in output capacity should lead to
increased profits of approximately 53.

Inequality Constraints:
The method of Lagrangian multipliers can
be modified to
incorp-orate
constraints that take
the form of
inequalities rather
than equalities.

The method of Lagrangian multipliers can be modified to incorporate

constraints that take the form of inequalities rather than equalities. The
problem now becomes that of determining the extreme points of the
multivariate function z f ( x, y ) subject to the inequality g ( x, y ) 0
or g ( x, y ) 0 . We shall now a relatively simple extension of the
Lagrangian technique that provides a solution to the problem of
optimizing an objective function subject to single constraining inequality.
The general problem of optimizing an objective function subject to n
inequalities is not considered in this lesson.
In the problem of optimizing an objective function subject to a
constraining inequality, two cases must be considered. Firstly, the
constraining equality may act as an upper or lower bound on the
function. Secondly, the constraining inequality does not act as an upper
or lower bound on the function. For either of the above two cases, the
method of optimizing a function subject to a constraining inequality is to
assume that the constraining inequality is equality; i.e. assume
g ( x, y ) 0 . The inequality is changed to equality and the critical
values and constrained optimum are obtained by using the method of
Lagrangian multipliers. The sign of the Lagrangian multiplier is used to
determine whether the constraint is actually limiting the optimum value
of the objective function. The procedure is as follows:
Case 1: When the constraining inequality g ( x, y ) 0 :
For maximizing the objective function
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(i)
(ii)

If 0 , the restriction is not a limitation; we resolve the

problem ignoring the restriction, to obtain the optimum.
If 0 , the restriction acts as an upper bound and the
result can be obtained by assuming that g ( x, y ) 0 is the
constrained optimum.

For minimizing the objective function

(i)
If 0 , the restriction is a limitation and the constrained
optimum is obtained by assuming that g ( x, y ) 0 .
(ii)
If 0 , the restriction is not a limitation; we resolve the
problem ignoring the restriction, to obtain the optimum.
Case 2: When the constraining inequality g ( x, y ) 0 :
For maximizing the objective function
(i) If 0 , the restriction is a limitation and the constrained
optimum is obtained by assuming that g ( x, y ) 0 .
(ii) If 0 , the restriction is not a limitation; we resolve the
problem ignoring the restriction, to obtain the optimum.
For minimizing the objective function
(i) If 0 , the restriction is not a limitation; we resolve the
problem ignoring the restriction, to obtain the optimum.
(ii) If 0 , the restriction is a limitation and the constrained
optimum is obtained by assuming that g ( x, y ) 0 .
The following examples illustrate this technique.
Illustrative Example:
Example-4:
Determine the maximum of the function z x 2 3 xy y 2
subject to x y 100.
Solution:
Given that the objective function is z x 2 3 xy y 2 ..........(i)
the constraint equation is x y 100. ..................(ii)
To determine the solution we treat the inequality as equality and form the
Lagrangian expression
F ( x, y, ) x 2 3 xy y 2 [ x y 100]

The critical values are x 50,

y 50 and 250 .

Since the Lagrangian multiplier is negative, an increase in the constant of

the constraining function would increase the value of the objective
function. Therefore, the value of the function is limited by the constraint.
Example-5:
Determine the maximum profit of the following profit function
x y 5.
z 600 4 x 2 20 y 2 xy 6 y 2 12 x
subject
to
Determine the values of x and y that maximizes the profits. Assume that
x and y in million dollar and profits in thousand dollar respectively.
Solution:
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Given that the objective function is

z 600 4 x 2 20 y 2 xy 6 y 2 12 x .......(i)
and the constraint equation is x y 5. .........(ii)

The Lagrangian expression is

F ( x, y, ) 600 4 x 2 20 y 2 xy 6 y 2 12 x [ x y 5]
The partial derivatives of this expression are equal to zero.
F
8 x 2 y 12 0 ....................(iii)
x
F
2 x 12 y 20 0 ....................(iv)
y

F
x y 5 0 ..........................(v)

Solving equations (iii), (iv) and (v) simultaneously we get,

x 2.584,

y 2.416 and

3.834 .

.
Thus, the maximum profit will be z = [600 4(2.584) 2 + 20(2.416) + 2
(2.584)(2.416) 6(2.416)2 + 12(2.584)] = 630.083 thousand or $630,083.
Profits, subject to the constraint, are maximized when x = $2.584 million
($2584000), y = $2.416 million ($2416000) are obtained. Since is
positive, a decrease in the constraint constant will increase the value of
the objective function. Therefore, the constraint acts as a lower bound on
the values of the variables.

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Questions for Review:

These questions are designed to help you assess how far you have
understood and can apply the learning you have accomplished by
answering (in written form) the following questions:
1. Determine the critical points and the constrained optimum for
f ( x, y ) 12 xy 3 y 2 x 2 subject to x y 16 .
2. Determine the critical points and the constrained optimum for
f ( x, y ) 3 x 2 4 y 2 xy subject to 2 x y 21 .
3. Determine

the

maximum
of
the
x

12
.
z 10 xy 5 x 7 y 40 x subject to
2

function

4. Determine the minimum of the function z 4 x 2 5 y 2 6 y subject

to x 2 y 20.
5. A firms total costs can be presented as C 3 x 2 5 xy 6 y 2 , find
the firms minimum cost to meet a production quota of
5 x 7 y 732 .

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