QUANT FORUM

MAXIMA_MINIMA
Concept : If the sum of positive numbers are constant then their product is
maximum when all numbers are equal.

Suppose that x, y, z . . . w are n positive variables and that c is a constant, then If

x + y + z + ... + w = c, the value of xyz ... w is greatest when x = y = z = ... = w =
c/n.

a + b + c = 12 , find maximum value of a.b.c

Equal case a=b=c

Ans : 64

a + b + c =19, find maximum value of a.b.c

Equal values a=b=c=19/3

Ans 19^3/27

a + b + c = 7 ; find Maximum value of a^2 * b^3 * c^4

Method 1:
a/2 + a/2 + b/3 + b/3 +b/3 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 = 7
now a/2 = a/2 = b/3 = b/3 = b/3 = c/4 = c/4 = c/4 = c/4 = 7/9
===> a/2 × a/2 × b/3× b/3 × b/3 × c/4 × c/4 × c/4 × c/4 = (7/9)^9
===> a^2. b^3. c^4 = 2^2 × 3^3 ×4^4 × (7/9)^9

Method 2 :
AM ≥ GM
a/2 + a/2 + b/3 + b/3 +b/3 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 = 7
{a/2 + a/2 + b/3 + b/3 +b/3 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 + c/4 } /9 = { a/2 × a/2
× b/3× b/3 × b/3 × c/4 × c/4 × c/4 × c/4 }^1/9
Now on simplification we will get a^2 * b^3 * c^4 ≤ 2^2 × 3^3 ×4^4 ×
(7/9)^9

Method 3( preferable)
Here Powers of a, b,c are 2,3,4 respectively
Divide 7 in the ratio 2:3:4
===> a =2/9 × 7; b= 3/9 × 7; c = 4/9 × 7
Now on substitution you will get a^2 * b^3 * c^4 = 2^2 × 3^3
×4^4 × (7/9)^9

Method 4:
To find the greatest value a^m * b^n * c^p . . . when a + b + c + ... is
constant; m, n, p, ... being positive integers.
Hence a^m *b^n * c^p ... will be greatest when the factors a/m , b/n , c/p
are all equal, that is, when
a/m = b/n = c/p = ... = (a+b+c+…….)/(m +n +p+….)
here a/2 = b/3 =c/4 = 7/9
now substitute the value & u will get
a^2 * b^3 * c^4 = 2^2 × 3^3 ×4^4 × (7/9)^9

If a, b and c are positive variables and a + b + c = 12, find

maximum value of (a + 1) × (b + 2) × c.

Here we need to find maximum value of (a + 1) × (b + 2) × c ; so we

must know (a + 1) + (b + 2) + c
Now (a + 1) + (b + 2) + c = 15 ; so each term (a + 1) = (b + 2) = c = 5
So (a + 1) × (b + 2) × c = 125

If a + 2b + 3c = 9 find maximum value of a × b × c. (Given a, b and

c are positive).

a = 2b =3c = 9/3 =3 ; so a * 2b * 3c = 27 ==> abc = 27/6

If a + 2b + 3c = 63, find maximum value of a^3 × b^5 × c. (Given

a, b and c are positive).

a/3 = 2b /5 = 3c /1 = (a+2b+3c)/(3+5+1) = 63/9 = 7

==> a = 21; b= 35/2 ; c= 7/3
So a^3 × b^5 × c = 21^3 * (35/2)^ 5 * 7/3

Find the greatest value of (a + x)^3 * (a - x)^ 4 for any real value
of x numerically less than a.

Here a + x = p; a- x =q ;
==> p + q = 2a & we r supposed to find p^3 * q^4
So p/3 = q/4 = 2a/7
==> p = 6a/7 & q = 8a /7

If 2a + 5b = 7; find the maximum value of (a+1)^2 * (b+2)^3

2a + 5b = 2(a+1) + 5 (b+2) = 2a+5b+12 = 19

2x + 5y = 19 & we need to find x^2 * y ^3
2x/2 = 5y/3 = 19/5 --
x = 19/5 & y = 57 /25
x^2 * y ^3 = (19/5)^2 * (57/25)^3
= 19^5 * 3^3/5^8

Concept: If the product of positive numbers are constant then sum

is minimum when all numbers are equal.
If xyz...w = c, the value of x + y + ... w is least when x = y =... = w
, so that the least value of x + y + ... + w is nc^1/n.

If a, b, c are positive and a × b × c = 125, find minimum value of a

+b+c?

Ans : 15

If a, b, c are positive and a × b × c = 17, find minimum value of a +

b + c.

Ans: 3*(17)^1/3

Find the least value of 3x + 4y + 5z for positive values of x and y,

subject to the condition xyz = 6.

To find the minimum value of 3x + 4y + 5z ; we must know 3x × 4y × 5z

So 3x × 4y × 5z = 3 * 4 * 5 * xyz = 360
So 3x + 4y + 5z = 3 × (360)^1/3 = 6×(45)^1/3

Find the least value of x + y + z for positive values of x, y & z

subject to the condition x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6

Method 1:
x + y + z = x/2 + x/2 + y/3 +y/3 +y/3+ z/4+z/4+z/4+z/4 = ?
so we must know the product of
x/2 × x/2 × y/3 × y/3 ×y/3× z/4 × z/4 × z/4 × z/4 = (x^2×y^3×z^4)/
(2^2×3^3×4^4) = 6/(2^2×3^3×4^4)
so x +y + z = 9 ×{ 6/(2^2×3^3×4^4)}^1/9

Method 2:
AM ≥ GM
(x/2 + x/2 + y/3 +y/3 +y/3+ z/4+z/4+z/4+z/4)/9 ≥ (x/2 × x/2 × y/3 ×
y/3 ×y/3× z/4 × z/4 × z/4 × z/4)^1/9
So , x + y + z ≥ 9 ×{ 6/(2^2×3^3×4^4)}^1/9

Method 3
If x +y +z =k & x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6
So x/2 =y/3=z/4 = k/9
So x = 2k/9; y =3k/9; z = 4k/9
Now substitute the value of x,y & z in x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6
K = 9 ×{ 6/(2^2×3^3×4^4)}^1/9

Find the least value of 4x + 2y + 3z for positive values of x , y & z

subject to the condition x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6.

If 4x +2y +3z =k & x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6

So 4x/2 =2y/3=3z/4 = k/9
So x = k/18; y =k/6; z = 4k/27
Now substitute the value of x,y & z in x^2 * y^3 * z^4 = 6

If a * b * c = 100 , where a,b,c are positive integers , find the

maximum & minimum value of a + b + c.

We know that “if product is constant ,then sum is minimum when all no.
are equal”
But here if u take all equal then it won’t be an integer.
So for the question based on integer --- if they cannot be equal then they
must be very very close to each other , so 100 = 4 * 5 * 5
So minimum value of x + y + z = 4 + 5 + 5 = 14;
Now for maximum they must be far away from each other; so 100 = 1 * 1
* 100
So max of x + y + z = 1 + 1 + 100 = 102

If a + b + c = 100, where a, b and c are positive integers then find

maximum & minimum value of a * b * c

We know that “if sum is constant ,then product is maximum when all no.
are equal”
But here if u take all equal then it won’t be an integer.
So for the question based on integer --- if they cannot be equal then they
must be very very close to each other , so 100 = 34 + 33 + 33
So maximum value of xyz = 34 * 33 * 33;
Now for minimum they must be far away from each other; so 100 =
1+1+98
So min of xyz = 1 * 1 * 98 =98

Let p and q be the roots of the quadratic equation x^2 − (α − 2)x −

α − 1 = 0. What is the minimum possible value of p^2 + q^2?

(a - 2)^2 + 2a + 2
= a^2 + 4 - 4a + 2a + 2
= a^2 - 2a + 6
= (a - 1)^2 + 5
A quadratic function f(x) attains a maximum of 3 at x = 1. The
value of the function at x = 0 is 1. What is the value of f(x) at x =
10?

Maximum or Minimum Value of a Quadratic Function

Let f be a quadratic function with standard form f (x) = a( x − ℎ )^2 + k.
The maximum or minimum value of f occurs at x = ℎ.
If a < 0, then the maximum value of f is f (ℎ) = k.
So f (x) = a( x − 1 )^2 + 3.
Now f(0) = 1
So a = -2
So the expression is -2(x-1)^2 + 3
at x=10 -> - 2 * 9^2 + 3 = -159

Davji shop sells samosas in boxes of different sizes. The samosas

are priced at Rs. 2 per piece up to 200 samosas. For every
additional 20 samosas, the price of the whole lot goes down by 10
paisa per samosa. What should be the maximum size of the box
that would maximize the revenue?

let x batches of extra 20 samosas be there so

size of box is (200+20x)
price per box is (2-0.1x)
revenue = (200+20x)(2-0.1x) (we need to maximize this)
Now do not simplify it
We know that maximum value exists at x = -b/2a = sum of roots/2
So here sum of roots = -10 + 20 =10
So revenue will be maximum when x = 10/2 = 5
So maximum size of box is 200 + 10 * 5 = 300

Mr. David manufactures and sells a single product at a fixed price in

a niche market. The selling price of each unit is Rs. 30. On the other
hand, the cost, in rupees, of producing x units is 240 + bx + cx^2,
where b and c are some constants. Mr. David noticed that doubling
the daily production from 20 to 40 units increases the daily
production cost by 66.66%. However, an increase in daily
production from 40 to 60 units results in an increase of only 50% in
the daily production cost. Assume that demand is unlimited and
that Mr. David can sell as much as he can produce. His objective is
to maximize the profit.
How many units should Mr. David produce daily?
What is the maximum daily profit, in rupees, that Mr. David can
realize from his business?

1600c + 40b + 240 = 5/3 ( 400c + 20b + 240)

4800c + 120b + 720 = 2000c + 100b + 1200
2800c + 20b = 480
so 140c + b = 24 -(1)
and 3600c + 60b + 240 = 3/2 (1600c + 40b + 240)
7200c + 120b + 480 = 4800c + 120b + 720
2400c = 240 so c=1/10 so b=24 - 140 * 1/10 = 10

so func is x^2/10 + 10x + 240

profit = 30x - x^2/10 - 10x + 240 = -x^2/10 + 20x + 240
so max at x = 100
so 100 for 1st part.
profit= -1000 + 2000 + 240 = 760

Find the maximum and/or minimum value of (x^2 - x + 1)/(x^2 +

x + 1) for real values of x.

Standard way to solve this is

Let (x^2-x+1)/(x^2+x+1) = k
⇒ x^2 − x +1= kx^2 + kx + k
⇒ (1− k ) x^2 − (1+ k ) x + (1− k ) = 0
Now for x to be real, the determinant has to be greater than or equal to
zero…
(1+ k )^2 − 4 (1− k)( 1− k) ≥ 0
⇒ (1+ 2k + k^2 ) − 4(1− 2k + k^2 ) ≥ 0
⇒ −3k^ 2 +10k − 3 ≥ 0
⇒ 3k2 −10k + 3 ≤ 0
⇒ 3 ×(k − 3) × ( k -1/3) ≤ 0
⇒ 1/3 ≤ k ≤ 3
So max value is 3 & minimum value is 1/3

OR

You can go for the butterfly method :

Find the maximum value of 1/(x^2 − 2x + 4)

Same procedure as Q6. Answer would be 1/3

How many integral values from 1 to 15 can the expression (x^2 +

34x -71)/(x^2 + 2x - 7) not take?
(x^2 + 34x - 71)/(x^2 + 2x - 7) = k
(1-k)x^2 + (34 - 2k)x - 71 + 7k = 0
b^2 - 4ac > = 0 for real values therefore
(34-2k)^2 - 4 * (1 - k)(-71 + 7k) > = 0
k^2 - 14k + 45 > = 0
that is K < = 5 and K > = 9 therefore k cannot take 3 values i.e 6,7,8

If x + y + z = 5 ; xy + yz +zx = 3 then find the maximum &

minimum value of x where x, y and z are real numbers.

z = 5 - (x + y)
xy + yz + zx = xy + 5(x + y) - (x + y)^2 = 3
x^2 + x(y - 5) + (y^2 - 5y + 3) = 0
D≥0
3y^2 - 10y - 13 ≤ 0
-1 ≤ y ≤ 13/3

else x + y + z = 5
ie x= 5 - (y + z)
also -> x(y + z) + yz = 3
x(5 - x) + yz =3
yz < = (y+z)^2/4 ( Am > Gm)
ie yz < = (5-x)^2 /4
so -> x(5-x) + (5-x)^2/4 < = 3
(5-x)(4x+5-x) < = 12
(5-x)(5+3x) < = 12
-3x^2 + 10x + 25 < = 12
ie -3x^2 + 10x + 13 < = 0
(-1 , 13/3)

The cost of fuel for running the engine of an army tank is

proportional to the square of the speed and Rs. 64/ hour for a
speed of 16 kmph. Other costs amount to Rs. 400/hour. the tank
has to make a journey of 400 km at a constant speed.[JMET 2006]
The most economial speed for this Journey is
Find the cost at this most economical speed

Cost of fuel is proportional to square of the speed.

E = KS^2
⇒ 64 = K(16)^2
∴ K = 1/4
Total cost = 1/4S^2* t + 400t
But t = 400/s

So total cost = 1/4S^2 * 400/s + 400 * 400/s

 == 100s + 160000/s
Now at Most economical speed, the cost is minimum
We know that sum of two no. is minimum if it product constant
Here product = 100s * 160000/s =16000000
So each term must be equal to 4000
So 100s = 4000
⇒ S = 40
⇒ Cost = 4000+4000 = 8000

If x and y are real numbers, then the minimum value of x^2 + 4xy
+ 6y^2 – 4y + 4 is [XAT 2010]

x^2 + 4xy + 6y^2 – 4y + 4

= x^2 + 4xy + 4y^2 + 2y^2 – 4y + 4
= (x + 2y)^2 + 2(y^2 – 2y + 1 + 1)
= (x + 2y)^2 + 2(y – 1)^2 + 2
This expression will take the minimum value when both the square terms
are zero
∴ (y – 1)^2 = 0
∴y=1
and
(x + 2y)^2 = 0
∴ x = –2
∴ The minimum value of this expression is 2

For positive real number x, y, and z, If xyz = 64, find the minimum value of
x+y+z?
Solution:
Clearly, the sum is minimum if all the variables are equal, i.e. x = y = z = 4.
Hence the minimum value of x + y + z = 4+4+4 = 12.
Example: Let a, b and c be nonnegative integers such that a + b+ c = 15.
What is the maximum value of a.b.c + a.b + b.c + c.a?
Solution:
(a+1) (b+1)(c+1) = a.b.c + a.b + b.c + c.a + a + b + c + 1
= a.b.c + a.b + b.c + c.a + 16
Applying AM-GM
(a+1)+(b+1)+(c+1)3≥(a+1)(b+1)(c+1)−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√3
Thus (a+1) (b+1)(c+1) is maximum at 216, which occurs when a = b =c =
5. Therefore a.b.c + a.b + b.c + c.a = 200.

Some Special cases

In many questions, we have to manipulate the problems so that the direct
formulas can be applied. Let see some examples to learn the approaches.

Case I:
Example: for positive real number x and y, if 2x + 3y = 15, find the
maximum value of x y. 2

Solution:
Observe that, if we directly apply AM-GM relation then, we will get the term
xy and NOT x y. For the maximum value of x y, there should be three terms
2 2

among which two terms are containing variable x and one term containing
variable y. So that, when we multiply the terms, we get x y.
2

We have to do all this without distorting the equation given in the problems.
Now, 2x + 3y = 15 can be written as x + x + 3y = 15. Here assuming both
x to be different terms resulting in equation with three terms. i.e. x, x and
s

3y. Now we can apply the relation AM ≥ GM.

x+x+3y3≥x×x×3y−−−−−−−−−√3
Or 153≥x2×3y−−−−−−√3
Or x2×3y−−−−−−√3≤5
Cubing both side we get

x2(3y)≤125 or x y ≤125/3. Hence the maximum value is 125/3

2

Case II:
Example: Let x, y and z be distinct positive integers such that the
product x.y.z = 2001. What is the largest possible value of the sum x+y+z?
Solution:
We know that, if all the variables are equal then the product is maximum,
and for the given product, the sum is minimum if all the variables are equal.
But here we need to find the maximum value of the sum. Therefore we
should keep the values of all the variables as far as possible. i.e.

xyz=2001=1×3×667
Taking x = 1, y = 3 and z = 667, we get the maximum sum = 1+ 3+667 =
671.

Case III:
Example: If a1, a2, a3 and a4 are positive integers with sum = 16. Find the
minimum value of (1a1+1a2+1a3+1a4)?
Solution:

AM ≥ HM
a1+a2+a3+a44≥41a1+1a2+1a3+1a4
Or (1a1+1a2+1a3+1a4)(a1+a2+a3+a4)≥4 2s

Hence minimum value of (1a1+1a2+1a3+1a4) = 16/16 = 1

Case IV:
Example: If three positive real numbers x, y and z are in A.P. such that
xyz=4, then what will be the minimum value of y.
Solution:
If x, y and z are in AP, then 2y = x + z.

Also, AM≥ GM
x+y+z3≥xyz−−−√3
Or 3y3≥4–√3
Or y≥4–√3=223

Case V:
Example: Minimize the expression (x+y)(y+z), where x, y and z are
positive real numbers satisfying xyz(x + y + z) = 1.
Solution:
(x+y)(y+z) = xy + xz + y + yz = xz +y(x+y+z) = xz + 1/xz
2

Where we have used the condition xyz(x + y + z) = 1 to get the last

equality.
Applying AM, GM inequality
gives (x+y)(y+z)=xz+1xz≥2xz×1zx=−−−−−−−−√2

Cauchy Inequality
For any real numbers a , …….., a and b ,……..,b
1 n 1 n
(∑i=1naibi)2≤(∑i=1na2i)(∑i=1nb2i) with equality when there exist
constants µ, β not both zero such that for all 1≤i≤n, µa = β b
i i

Example: Find the largest and smallest value of 2x+3y+6z for values of x,
y, z satisfying x + y + z =1.
2 2 2

Solution:
By Cauchy inequality with n = 3

(2 + 3 + 6 )(x + y + z ) ≥(2x+3y+6z) with equality if x2=y3=z6

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Therefore, (2x+3y+6z) ≤ 49. 2

Or -7≤ (2x+3y+6z) ≤ 7. Hence the minimum and maximum values are -7

and 7 respectively.

What is the minimum value of ( X + Y ) / Z + ( X + Z ) / Y + ( Y + Z

)/X ?

A) 1
B)2
C) 3
D) 6

In Any INEQUALTIES Question all you need to do is EQUATE, so all I do is

EQUATE X = Y = Z, then the expression becomes 2 + 2 + 2 = 6,
irrespective of the value X,Y,Z

Minimum value of ( a + b + c ) ( 1/a + 1/b + 1/c ) ?

A) 3
B)6
C) 8
D) 9

Equate a =b = c, you get 3a * 3/a = 9

If a, b,c are distinct positive real numbers, then [a . ( b + c ) + b .

2 2

( c + a ) + c . ( a + b ) ]/abc is always
2

A) > 4
B)>6
C) > 9
D) None of These

Equate a = b = c, we get 6a / a = 6
3 3

Now it is given that a, b and c are distinct positive real numbers hence
answers will be always > 6 ( Option B )

Solve (1 + x ) / (x - 5x + 6) < 0
2 2

A) x < 2
Bx>3
C) 2 < x < 3
D) Both a and b

put x = 2.5 and check if LHS is +ve or not. Correct answer is Option C

If ab < = 28, bc < = 14, ac < = 8, then what is the max value of the
product of a, b and c ?

A) 196
B ) 28
C) 56
D) 112

multiply the three, (abc) < = 28 * 14 * 4 < = 56 * 56 < = 56 , Hence abc

2 2

< = 56, Max value = 56

Let p be any non-negative integer, and 2x + p = 2y, p + y =x and x

+ y = z , For what value of p, will x + y + z be maximum ?

A) 0
B)1
C) 2
D) 3

Valid only when p = 0

( x - 3x + 24) / (x - 3x + 3) < 4, Solve for range of values x can

2 2

assume

A) x < -1
B)4<x<8
C) 4 < x < 6
D) None of these

Use options, Answer is D

Solve for all real values of x, if root(9x -x ) > 0
2

A) x < 0
B)0<x<9
C) x > 9
D) None of These

Option B is correct.
x(9-x) > 0
x(x-9) < 0
0<x<9

Solve the inequality: x – 5x + 8x – 4 > 0. ( Hard Question from

3 2

2iim )

A) (2, ∞)
B ) ((1, 2) ∪ (2, ∞)
C) (-∞, 1) ∪ (2, ∞)
D) (-∞, 1)

Simply put x =0, then LHS = -4, NOT Satsfied, Eliminate Option C & D
Put x = 3, Satisfied , both A & B are possible
Then put x = 1.5, and see if it satisfies or NOT
Again DO NOT TRY SOLVING INEQUALITIES

If R = ( 30 - 29 ) / ( 30 + 29 ) then find range of R

65 65 64 64

A) 0-0.1
B ) 0.1-0.5
C) 0.5-1
D) Greater than 1

Numerator = (30-29) (Denominator + some positive value) hence > 1 (

Option D )