On non-linear optimization with a perturbed objective function

Abstract: A Lagrange multiplier theorem is derived for the case of an imprecise objective function and a precise constraint. The proof uses methods of analysis which deal in a direct, algebraic way with imprecisions. They include imprecise differentiation, and an approximate Fermat Lemma and Implicit Function Theorem. The tools are the external numbers of Nonstandard Analysis, which are models of Sorites imprecisions.