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1 - Optimization Problems
Example 1: Find two positive numbers whose product is 10 000 and whose sum is a minimum.
Step 3: Isolate a variable in the constraint equation and substitute it into the optimization
function.
Do this by finding the first derivative of the optimization function and setting it
equal to zero, then solving.
Step 5: Verify that the critical number gives the desired minimum or maximum.
Reject x = 0 since the required numbers must be positive (i.e. x > 0).
Simplify: x + y = 50
Step 3: y = 50 - x Þ A(x) = x ( 50 - x )
Example 3: A cylindrical can is to be made to hold a litre of oil. Find the radius of the can that will
minimize the cost of the material required to make the can. Assume that cost is
proportional to surface area.
Practice Exercises
1. Find two numbers whose difference is 150 and whose product is a minimum.
2. Find two positive numbers with product 200 such that the sum of one of the numbers and twice
the other is a minimum.
3. A box with a square base and open top must have a volume of 4000 cm3. Find the dimensions
of the box that minimize the amount of material used.
4. The lifeguard at a public beach has 400 m of rope available to lay out a rectangular swimming
area, using the straight shoreline as one side of the swimming area. If she wants to maximize
the swimming area, what should the dimensions of the rectangle be?
5. A farmer wants to fence an area of 750 000 m2 in a rectangular field and divide it in half with a
fence parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle. How can this be done so as to minimize the
cost of the fence?
6. A piece of wire 40 cm long is cut into two pieces. One piece is bent into the shape of a square
and the other is bent into the shape of a circle. How should the wire be cut so that the total
area enclosed is a) a maximum ? b) a minimum ?