Maximizing the Expression with $a+b+c=2012$

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Expression
In summary, the key to maximizing the expression with $a+b+c=2012$ is to have all three variables equal. The maximum value is achieved when a = b = c = 2012/3. If the values of a, b, and c are not equal, the expression cannot be maximized. There is only one way to maximize the expression, and it can only be done if the sum of a, b, and c is 2012. Any other sum will result in a lower maximum value.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Let $a,\,b$ and $c$ be positive real numbers where $a+b+c=2012$.

Find the maximum of \(\displaystyle \frac{(a^2+b^2+c^2)(a^3+b^3+c^3)}{a^4+b^4+c^4}\).
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
anemone said:
Let $a,\,b$ and $c$ be positive real numbers where $a+b+c=2012$.

Find the maximum of \(\displaystyle \frac{(a^2+b^2+c^2)(a^3+b^3+c^3)}{a^4+b^4+c^4}\).

My solution
from symmetry it is maximum when $a=b=c$ and we get
$\frac{(a^2+b^2+c^2)(a^3+b^3+c^3)}{a^4+b^4+c^4}= \frac{3a^2 * 3a^3}{3a^4} = 3a = 2012$
this is maximmum because at $1,1,2010$ we get
$\frac{(a^2+b^2+c^2)(a^3+b^3+c^3)}{a^4+b^4+c^4} = \frac{(1 + 1 + 2010^2)(1 + 1 + 2010^3)}{1+1+ 2010^4} = 2010 < 2012$
hencer maximum = 2012 when $a=b=c = \frac{2012}{3}$
 
  • #3
Good job kaliprasad!(Cool)
 

FAQ: Maximizing the Expression with $a+b+c=2012$

How do I maximize the expression with $a+b+c=2012$?

The key to maximizing this expression is to identify the variables that will give the highest possible value. In this case, since the sum of the three variables is fixed at 2012, the maximum value will be achieved when all three variables are equal. This means that a = b = c = 2012/3.

What is the maximum value of the expression with $a+b+c=2012$?

The maximum value of this expression is achieved when a = b = c = 2012/3. Substituting these values into the expression, we get a maximum value of 2012.

Can the expression be maximized if the values of a, b, and c are not equal?

No, the expression cannot be maximized if the values of a, b, and c are not equal. Since the sum of the three variables is fixed at 2012, any unequal values will result in a lower overall sum.

Is there only one way to maximize the expression with $a+b+c=2012$?

Yes, there is only one way to maximize the expression with $a+b+c=2012$. As mentioned before, the maximum value will be achieved when all three variables are equal.

Can the expression be maximized if the sum of a, b, and c is not 2012?

No, the expression can only be maximized when the sum of a, b, and c is 2012. Any other sum will result in a lower maximum value for the expression.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
973
Replies
3
Views
797
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
963
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
865
Back
Top