Math Problem Statement

Find two positive numbers that satisfy the given requirements. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list.) The sum of the first and twice the second is 200 and the product is a maximum.

Solution

We need to find two positive numbers, say xx and yy, such that:

  1. The sum of the first number and twice the second number is 200: x+2y=200x + 2y = 200
  2. The product P=xyP = x \cdot y is maximized.

Step 1: Express one variable in terms of the other

From the first equation, solve for xx in terms of yy: x=2002yx = 200 - 2y

Step 2: Write the product equation

The product PP is given by: P=xy=(2002y)yP = x \cdot y = (200 - 2y) \cdot y This simplifies to: P=200y2y2P = 200y - 2y^2

Step 3: Maximize the product

To find the value of yy that maximizes PP, take the derivative of PP with respect to yy and set it equal to zero: dPdy=2004y\frac{dP}{dy} = 200 - 4y Set the derivative equal to zero: 2004y=0200 - 4y = 0 Solving for yy: 4y=200y=504y = 200 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = 50

Step 4: Find the corresponding value of xx

Substitute y=50y = 50 into the equation x=2002yx = 200 - 2y: x=2002(50)=100x = 200 - 2(50) = 100

Conclusion

The two numbers are x=100x = 100 and y=50y = 50.

Thus, the two numbers are: 100,50\boxed{100, 50}

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Relative Questions:

  1. What if the condition was that the sum of the first and three times the second is 300?
  2. How would you solve it if the goal was to minimize the product instead of maximizing it?
  3. What happens if we constrain both numbers to be integers?
  4. How do you graph the relationship between xx, yy, and the product PP?
  5. Can this problem be extended to more than two numbers with a similar condition?

Tip: To find maximum or minimum values in optimization problems, using derivatives is a key method known as the first derivative test.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Optimization
Algebra
Derivatives

Formulas

x + 2y = 200
Product P = x * y
P = 200y - 2y^2
dP/dy = 200 - 4y

Theorems

First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12