Let a and b be positive real numbers. If x^2 + y^2<=1 then what is the largest that ax+by can get?

By the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality, we have (x2 + y2)(a2+b2) >= (ax+by)2.
This can be transformed into (ax+by)2 <= (x2 + y2)(a2+b2) <= 1 * (a2+b2) <= (a2+b2). Hence ax + by <= sqrt(a^2 + b^2) and the equality is achieved when there exists ay = bx.

TD
Answered by Tutor135762 D. MAT tutor

4112 Views

See similar MAT University tutors

Related MAT University answers

All answers ▸

What graph can y = cos^2(x^2)/ x^2 have, for x > 0 ?


(Note this is the kind of exercise I would ask someone who is doing further maths and especially someone MAT/STEP) Sketch the graph of y=sin(1/x)


[based on MAT 2018 (G)] The curves y = x^2 + c and y^2 = x touch at a single point. Find c.


How many solutions does the equation 2sin^2(x) - 4sin(x) + cos^2(x) + 2 = 0 have in the domain 0<x<2pi


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning