Show that the minimum value of \(u=xy+a^3\left(\frac1x+\frac1y\right)\) is \(3a^2\).
Q.6 (b) Show that the minimum value of \(u=xy+a^3\left(\frac1x+\frac1y\right)\) is \(3a^2\).
Q.6 (b) Show that the minimum value of \(u=xy+a^3\left(\frac1x+\frac1y\right)\) is \(3a^2\).
Best answer
\(u_x=y-\frac{a^3}{x^2},\quad u_y=x-\frac{a^3}{y^2}\).
Stationary points: \(x^2y=a^3,\ xy^2=a^3\). Dividing, \(x=y\); then \(x^3=a^3\Rightarrow x=y=a\). Point \((a,a)\).
\(r=u_{xx}=\frac{2a^3}{x^3},\ s=u_{xy}=1,\ t=u_{yy}=\frac{2a^3}{y^3}\). At \((a,a)\): \(r=2,\ s=1,\ t=2\).
\(rt-s^2=4-1=3>0\) and \(r=2>0\) → minimum at \((a,a)\).
\(u_{min}=a\cdot a+a^3\left(\frac1a+\frac1a\right)=a^2+2a^2\) → minimum value \(=3a^2\) (proved).
Log in or create a free account to answer this question.