The Art of Optimization
Finding the Peak
Welcome, fellow traveler on the path to JEE mastery! Today, we are not just solving an equation; we are embarking on a journey of optimization.
We are given an objective function, z=6xy+y2, and we want to find its absolute maximum value. We are bound by the constraints 3x+4y≤100 and 4x+3y≤75, with the added condition that x,y≥0.
This is the classic setup of a constrained optimization problem, and it is a beautiful dance between algebra and geometry.
Phase 1
The Landscape of Constraints
Imagine you are standing in the first quadrant of the Cartesian plane. You have two fences, 3x+4y=100 and 4x+3y=75. These fences define your 'feasible region'—the only place where you are allowed to exist.
If you plot these lines, you will notice something fascinating. Both lines intersect the y-axis at (0,25). However, the second line, 4x+3y=75, has a smaller x-intercept than the first.
This means the second line is 'tighter' and encloses a smaller area. Any point that satisfies 4x+3y≤75 will automatically satisfy 3x+4y≤100. Thus, the first constraint is redundant, and we can focus entirely on the boundary 4x+3y=75.
Phase 2
The Reduction
We have a function z=6xy+y2 and a constraint 4x+3y=75. We want to maximize z. Since z increases as x and y increase, we know the maximum must lie on the boundary.
Let's reduce this two-variable problem to a single-variable one. From our active constraint, we can isolate x:
This is our key. By substituting this into our objective function, we transform the problem into a simple quadratic function of y.
Phase 3
The Calculus of Peaks
Let's perform the substitution: z=y(6x+y). Substituting x, we get:
Simplifying this, we obtain:
z=2225y−9y2+2y2=2225y−7y2
Now, we have a function f(y)=2225y−7y2. This is a downward-opening parabola. To find its peak, we take the derivative with respect to y and set it to zero:
Solving this gives y=14225≈16.07. This is the y-coordinate of our maximum.
Phase 4
The Grand Finale
With y=14225, we find the corresponding x using x=475−3y, which yields:
x=475−3(14225)=56375≈6.69
We verify this point against our constraints, and it fits perfectly. Finally, we calculate the maximum value:
Rounding to the nearest integer, we arrive at 904. You have successfully navigated the constraints and found the peak! Remember, in JEE, it is not just about the calculation; it is about understanding the geometry behind the algebra.