# Optimization problem I'm having trouble with

• December 2nd 2012, 03:59 PM
Slyy23
Optimization problem I'm having trouble with
Attachment 26030
I have this optimization problem and I am not too sure how to proceed to solve it. So there is a continent y = (x+1)^2 +1 and an island (x^2)+(y^2)=1. We want to build a bridge that links the two functions at points (x1,y1) and (a,b). Here is what the problem is asking for:

a) Formulate a question that consists of minimizing the cost, a problem without constraints of minimization of a degree 4 polynomial with 2 variable x1 and θ, so C(x1,θ) and formulate the conditions of first order.
b) Knowing that the minimum for the cost is reached for
θ=0.562371782 rad and x1=-0.68709
determine the coordinates for the points P1=(x1,y1) and P2=(a,b)
• December 2nd 2012, 04:03 PM
jakncoke
Re: Optimization problem I'm having trouble with
Whats the cost function. What exactly are we trying to minimize?
• December 2nd 2012, 04:10 PM
Slyy23
Re: Optimization problem I'm having trouble with
Quote:

Originally Posted by jakncoke
Whats the cost function. What exactly are we trying to minimize?

They don't give me a cost function. They want me to formulate a way to minimize the cost for the construction of the bridge (so minimizing the distance between the continent and the island I guess). Also sorry if my problem is hard to understand, I am not in an English school and just tried my best to translate the problem.
• December 2nd 2012, 04:46 PM
jakncoke
Re: Optimization problem I'm having trouble with
I'm not really understanding, you have a function $y = (x+1)^2$ which has the point (0, 1), and (0,1) is also on the circle $x^2 + y^2 = 1$
They are already connected at point (0,1) ? So why do you need a bridge.
• December 2nd 2012, 04:59 PM
Slyy23
Re: Optimization problem I'm having trouble with
Sorry I wrote it wrong. It's y= (x+1)^2 +1