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Optimization_Problems

The document presents a series of calculus optimization problems along with their solutions, focusing on maximizing areas, minimizing surface areas, and finding optimal dimensions under various constraints. Each problem is solved using derivatives and critical points to derive optimal values. The problems cover a range of geometric shapes and real-world applications, such as fencing, volume maximization, and cost minimization.

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Rey Ian Q. Conde
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4 views

Optimization_Problems

The document presents a series of calculus optimization problems along with their solutions, focusing on maximizing areas, minimizing surface areas, and finding optimal dimensions under various constraints. Each problem is solved using derivatives and critical points to derive optimal values. The problems cover a range of geometric shapes and real-world applications, such as fencing, volume maximization, and cost minimization.

Uploaded by

Rey Ian Q. Conde
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Calculus Optimization Problems and Solutions

Problem 1
Find the dimensions of a rectangle with a perimeter of 100 meters that has the maximum
area.

Solution
Let the length be x and the width be y. The perimeter constraint is 2x + 2y = 100, so y = 50 -
x. The area is A = x(50 - x). Taking the derivative, A' = 50 - 2x. Setting A' = 0 gives x = 25. So,
the maximum area occurs at 25m x 25m.

Problem 2
Find two numbers whose sum is 30 and whose product is maximum.

Solution
Let the numbers be x and y, with x + y = 30, so y = 30 - x. The product is P = x(30 - x). Taking
the derivative, P' = 30 - 2x. Setting P' = 0 gives x = 15. So, the numbers are 15 and 15.

Problem 3
Find the point on the parabola y² = 4x closest to the point (2,0).

Solution
Using distance formula D² = (x - 2)² + y². Substituting y² = 4x, we get D² = (x - 2)² + 4x.
Differentiating and solving D' = 0 leads to x = 1. The point is (1,2) or (1,-2).

Problem 4
Find the dimensions of a box with a square base and a fixed volume of 500 cm³ that
minimizes the surface area.

Solution
Let side of base be x and height be h. Volume constraint: x²h = 500. Surface area is S = x² +
4xh. Expressing h in terms of x and differentiating leads to optimal x and h values.

Problem 5
Find the shortest distance from the point (3,4) to the line 2x - y = 5.

Solution
Using distance formula and minimizing, the closest point on the line is found using calculus.

Problem 6
Find the maximum volume of a cone inscribed in a sphere of radius R.

Solution
Using the relationship between the cone’s height and sphere’s radius, volume is maximized.
Problem 7
A farmer wants to fence off a rectangular field of area 2000 m². What are the dimensions
that minimize fencing?

Solution
Using perimeter and area constraints, dimensions are found via calculus.

Problem 8
Find the point on the curve y = x² closest to the point (3,0).

Solution
Using distance formula, differentiating, and solving for x gives the closest point.

Problem 9
Find the largest area of a right triangle inscribed in a semicircle of radius R.

Solution
Using trigonometry and calculus, the largest area is determined.

Problem 10
Find the maximum volume of a cylinder inscribed in a sphere of radius R.

Solution
Using the relationship between height, radius, and sphere radius, volume is maximized.

Problem 11
A wire of length 20 cm is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent into a square and the other
into a circle. How should the wire be cut to minimize the total enclosed area?

Solution
Using area formulas and calculus, optimal cut length is determined.

Problem 12
Find the maximum area of a rectangle inscribed in a right triangle.

Solution
Using proportions and calculus, maximum area is derived.

Problem 13
Find the height of a cylinder with a fixed surface area that maximizes volume.

Solution
Expressing volume in terms of height and differentiating, optimal height is found.
Problem 14
A poster has a printed area of 50 cm² with 5 cm margins on top/bottom and 3 cm on sides.
Find the dimensions that minimize total paper area.

Solution
Using area constraints and differentiation, dimensions are optimized.

Problem 15
Find the point on the curve y = sqrt(x) closest to (4,0).

Solution
Using distance formula, differentiating, and solving for x gives the closest point.

Problem 16
Find the dimensions of a closed cylindrical can of volume 500 cm³ that minimizes surface
area.

Solution
Expressing surface area in terms of height and radius, optimal values are derived.

Problem 17
Find the dimensions of the largest rectangle that can be inscribed in a semicircle of radius R.

Solution
Using trigonometry and differentiation, optimal dimensions are found.

Problem 18
Find the dimensions of a box with an open top that minimizes material used given a fixed
volume.

Solution
Using area and volume constraints, dimensions are optimized.

Problem 19
A pipeline must cross a river of width W and continue underground. Laying pipe
underwater costs twice as much as underground. Find the optimal crossing point to
minimize cost.

Solution
Using cost function and differentiation, optimal crossing is determined.

Problem 20
Find the maximum area of a triangle formed by a tangent line to the curve y = x² and the
coordinate axes.
Solution
Using slope and intercepts, the area function is maximized.

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