[Math] Maximizing the volume of a box using Lagrange multipliers

lagrange multipliermultivariable-calculusoptimization

We are given a box of surface area $64$. As such, I wish to maximize $f(x,y,z) = xyz$ subject to $g(x,y,z) = 2(xy+xz+yz) – 64$. If I have understood in correctly, I am to find the critical points of the function $L(x,y,z,\lambda) = xyz + \lambda(2xy+2xz+2yz – 64)$. However, I always end up with a contradiction. Can anyone give me a thorough explanation of how one should go about attacking this problem?

We have

$L_1 = yz + \lambda(2y + 2z) = 0\\
L_2 = xz + \lambda(2x + 2z) = 0\\
L_3 = xy + \lambda(2x + 2y) = 0\\
L_4 = 2xy + 2xz + 2yz – 64 = 0$

I have attempted several methods, all leave me with contradictions, and are incredibly long and tedious. The tasks are generally made so that if you are on the right track, you will get somewhat "clean" results.

Best Answer

First, write down the equations you get when differenting $L$. For example, the derivative with respect to $x$ is $$\frac{dL}{dx} = yz + 2\lambda(y+z).$$

Then, you set the derivatives to $0$. This gives you a system of $4$ equations with $4$ variables to solve. Write down that system as an edit to your question so we can see if you made a mistake up to this point.

Edit: As far as I can see, you made no error in calculating the derivatives. Now, I advise you to look at the equations

$$-yz=2\lambda(y+z)\\-xz=2\lambda(x+z)\\-xy=2\lambda(x+y)$$

Try to multiply the first equation by $x$, the second by $y$ and the third by $z$. Play around with what you get, see where that leads you.

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