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Peer Review

Lagrange Multipliers Calculator - eMathHelp

Reviewed:
Oct 12, 2021 by Mathematics
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 4.2 stars
Effectiveness: 4.5 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

This site contains an online calculator that finds the maxima and minima of the two- or three-variable function, subject to the given constraints, using the method of Lagrange multipliers, with steps shown.

Type of Material:

Simulation

Recommended Uses:

Homework assignments, classroom tutorial,  or projects for a Calculus of several variables class.

Technical Requirements:

Any browser.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Major learning goals are:

  • to provide studetns with an online calculator, which allows users to define two or three variables functions in order to determine the maxima and minima of the function subject to the given constraint(s).
  • The calculator solves optimization problems using the method of Lagrange multipliers, showing step-by-step solutions.
Target Student Population:

Students in the last semester of Calculus class and/or other related classes.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Calculus of several variables.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

This site provides users with online calculator to analytically solve an optimization problem for a function of up-to three variables subject to one or two constraints. A user needs to enter a function and constraint equations and the tool generates the analytic solution. The solution process is shown step-by-step with some explanation given.

Concerns:
  • The calculator doesn't check the conditions for applying the method of Lagrange multipliers.
  • An error such as " The calculations require too much time" appears for some problems.
  • There is a note saying: "If the calculator did not compute something or you have identified an error, or you have a suggestion/feedback, please write it in the comments below."
  • No explanation is given about the type of functions and constraints. The theory of maxima and minima is not explained nor the method of Lagrange multipliers.
  • A link to a theoretical concept related to these problems would be a plus. 

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

Both instructor and student can use this site in a multivariable Calculus course as an aid to check solutions or two quickly solve an optimization problem during a lecture. Students can ask the owner of the site their questions on one of the topics in the site. There is a (lecture notes) section, but it applies to a limited number of topics.  The links to related topics calculators are helpful.

Concerns:
  • It does not reinforce concepts progressively, it requires the help of an instructor.
  • Does not build on prior concepts

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

Students and instructors can access and start using this site with ease.  A set of instructions on how to enter equations is helpful.

Concerns:

None. 

Other Issues and Comments:

None

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