Applied optimization
We’ve learned already how to use optimization to find the extrema of a
function. But we can use the optimization process for more than just
sketching graphs of functions, or finding the highest and lowest points of
the function’s graph.
Optimization in the real world
This same optimization process can be used in the real world. When the
function we start with models some real-world scenario, then finding the
function’s highest and lowest values means that we’re actually finding the
maximum and minimum values in that situation.
For example, these are all things we can find by applying the optimization
process to the real world:
• the dimensions of a rectangle that maximize or minimize its area
or perimeter
• the maximum product or minimum sum of squares of two real
numbers
• the time at which velocity or acceleration is maximized or
minimized
• the dimensions that maximize or minimize the surface area or
volume of a three-dimensional figure
318
• the production or sales level that maximizes profit
This is only a tiny fraction of the many ways we can use optimization to
find maxima and minima in the real world.
Solving optimization problems
When it comes to actually solving these problems, we’ll follow the same
kinds of steps we took to solve optimization problems before.
1. Write an equation in one variable that represents the value we’re
tying to maximize or minimize.
2. Take the derivative, set it equal to 0 to find critical points, and use
the first derivative test to determine where the function is
increasing and decreasing.
3. Based on the increasing/decreasing behavior of the function,
identify the function’s maxima and minima.
4. Use the extrema to answer the question being asked.
With these steps in mind, let’s work through a typical applied optimization
example. Keep in mind, there are many different kinds of applied
optimization problems, but we solve all of them using this same set of
steps.
Example
319
A 5 × 7 piece of paper has squares of side-length x cut from each of its
corners, such that folding up the sides will create a box with no top. Find
the value of x that maximizes the volume of the open-top box.
First, we’ll sketch an image of the flat piece of paper.
The diagram shows the 5 × 7 dimensions of the paper, and the x × x square
that was cut out of each corner. After cutting out the squares from the
corners, the width of the open-top box will be 5 − 2x, and the length will be
7 − 2x.
We’re being asked to maximize the volume of a box, so we’ll use the
formula for the volume of a box, and substitute in the length, width, and
height of the open-top box.
V = lwh
320
V = (7 − 2x)(5 − 2x)x
V = (35 − 14x − 10x + 4x 2)x
V = 35x − 14x 2 − 10x 2 + 4x 3
V = 4x 3 − 24x 2 + 35x
Now that we have the function we want to maximize, find the derivative.
dV
= 12x 2 − 48x + 35
dx
Find critical points by setting the derivative equal to 0,
12x 2 − 48x + 35 = 0
and then using the quadratic formula to solve for x.
48 ± 2,304 − 1,680
x=
24
48 ± 624
x=
24
12 ± 39
x=
6
So the critical points of the volume function are x ≈ 3.04 and x ≈ 0.96. But
before we start testing critical points, we should always consider which of
the critical points is even plausible.
Substitute x = 3.04 into the equations for the length and width of the open-
top box.
321
l = 7 − 2x
l = 7 − 2(3.04)
l = 7 − 6.08
l = 0.92
and
w = 5 − 2x
w = 5 − 2(3.04)
w = 5 − 6.08
w = − 1.08
It’s nonsensical for the width of the box to be negative, so x = 3.04 can’t be
a solution. If we try x = 0.96 in both the length and width equations, we get
positive values for both, so x = 0.96 can be a potential solution.
So we’ll test x = 0.96 to make sure there’s a local maximum at that point.
To test it, we’ll pick a value of x less than 0.96, and another greater than
0.96, and plug them into the derivative.
dV
(0.5) = 12(0.5)2 − 48(0.5) + 35
dx
dV
(0.5) = 14
dx
and
322
dV
(2) = 12(2)2 − 48(2) + 35
dx
dV
(2) = − 13
dx
Because the derivative is increasing (14 > 0) to the left of the critical point,
and decreasing (−13 < 0) to the right of it, the function has a maximum at
x = 0.96, and we can say that the volume of the open-top box is maximized
when x = 0.96.
323
