[Math] How to find the maximum value subject to constraints

algebra-precalculuslinear programming

I am currently enrolled in a college algebra course and am having difficulty finding the solution to the following problem since it is not covered in our textbook or in class. Any helpful hints or advice on how to start would be appreciated. Thanks!

Find the maximum value of $$z = 2x + 5y$$ subject to the constraints

$x \geq 5$

$y \geq 4$

$4x+3y \leq 56$

$x+y \leq 16$

Best Answer

Graphing the constraints in blue and the iso-$z$ lines in red, we get:

enter image description here

the values of $z$ increasing for larger $x$ and $y$, as expected from the formula. We can find the maximum $z$ at $(5,11)$.