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Word Problem Solving in Maxima and Minima

1. Define the variables and write an expression for the quantity to maximize/minimize in terms of the variables. 2. Express one variable in terms of others using given conditions. 3. Take the derivative of the expression and set it equal to zero to find critical points. 4. Check critical points and endpoints to find the absolute maximum/minimum.

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Dronio Arao L-sa
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98 views

Word Problem Solving in Maxima and Minima

1. Define the variables and write an expression for the quantity to maximize/minimize in terms of the variables. 2. Express one variable in terms of others using given conditions. 3. Take the derivative of the expression and set it equal to zero to find critical points. 4. Check critical points and endpoints to find the absolute maximum/minimum.

Uploaded by

Dronio Arao L-sa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Word problem

solving in maxima
and minima

RAISSA JENNIFER CALUBAQUIB PULIDO


Steps in solving maxima and minima problems
1. Read and analyze the problem carefully.
2. Draw a picture if possible. Label the various parts.
3. Decide which variable is to be maximized or minimized.
4. Express that variable as a function of the other variable.
5. Find the critical points(CP) for the function from step 1 -3. The critical points are the
values that would make the first derivative equal to zero. The CP is maximum if it makes
the second derivative negative. It is minimum if it makes the second derivative positive.
6. Check for extrema at any endpoint of the domain of the function in step 3.
..
Examples
1. Build a rectangular pen with three parallel partitions using 500 feet of fencing. What dimensions will
maximize the total area of the pen ?

Let variable x be the width of the pen and variable y the length of the pen.
(Draw) y

x x x x x
Note that since there are 5 lengths
of x in this construction and 500
y  We wish to MAXIMIZE the total AREA of the pen feet of fencing, it follows that
 The total amount of fencing is given to be A = (width) (length) = x y .
500 = 5 (width) + 2 (length) = 5x + 2y , However, before we differentiate the right-hand side, we will write it as a
so that function of x only. Substitute for y getting
2y = 500 - 5x A=xy
or = x ( 250 - (5/2)x)
y = 250 - (5/2)x = 250x - (5/2)x2 .
Now differentiate this equation, getting
A' = 250 - (5/2) 2x If
= 250 - 5x x=50 ft. and y=125 ft. ,
= 5 (50 - x ) then
5(50 –x)= 0 A = 6250 ft.2, is the largest possible
area of the pen.
For x=50 .
Examples
2. Find two nonnegative numbers whose sum is 9 and so that the product of one number and
the square of the other number is a maximum.
 Now differentiate this equation using the
 Let variables x and y represent two nonnegative
product rule and chain rule, getting
numbers. The sum of the two numbers is given to be
P' = x (2) ( 9-x)(-1) + (1) ( 9-x)2
9=x+y,
= ( 9-x) [ -2x + ( 9-x) ]
so that , y = 9 - x .
= ( 9-x) [ 9-3x ]
 We wish to MAXIMIZE the PRODUCT
P = x y2 . = ( 9-x) (3)[ 3-x ]

 However, before we differentiate the right- = 0, For x=9 or x=3 .


hand side, we will write it as a function Note that since both x and y are nonnegative numbers and their
sum is 9, it follows that
of x only. Substitute for y getting If, x=3 and y=6 ,

then
P = x y2
P= 108
=x( 9-x)2 .
is the largest possible product.
Examples
3. A container in the shape of a right circular cylinder with no top has a surface area of 3𝜋ft2. What height
h and base radius r will maximize the volume of the cylinder ?

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the cylinder  But r ≠ -1, since variable r measures a distance
and r > 0 .
Recall: V = area of the base x height 
h = 𝜋r2 (h)
 Since the base of the box is a circle and there
are, 3𝜋 𝑓𝑡2 of material, it follows that 0 < 𝑟 ≤
However, before we differentiate the right-hand side, 3
we will write it as a function of r only. Substitute
r for h getting

The total surface area of


the cylinder is given to be
A= (area of base) + (area of the curved side)
3𝜋 = 𝜋r2 + 2 𝜋rh
If r=1 ft. and h=1 ft.,
2 𝜋rh = 3𝜋 - 𝜋r2 Now differentiate this equation, getting
2 𝜋rh = 3𝜋 - 𝜋r2 then
2 𝜋r 2 𝜋r V=𝜋 1 2( (1)
r
h = 3/2r - 2 V = 𝜋 ft3
For , r=1 or r=-1 .
EXERCISES
1. The difference between two numbers is 18. Find the numbers so that their product is a
minimum.
2. Given a rectangle with a perimeter 864, find the largest possible area.
3. A rectangular box has a square base with edges at least 10cm long. It has no top and the total
area of its five sides is 600 cm2. What is the maximum volume of the box?

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