Applied Maxima-Minima Problems

Copyright © Caesar P.
Llapitan 2007-2008 All Rights Reserved
MAXIMUM/MINIMUM PROBLEMS
The following problems are maximum/minimum optimization problems. They illustrate one of the most
important applications of the first derivative. Many students find these problems intimidating because
they are "word" problems, and because there does not appear to be a pattern to these problems.
However, if you are patient you can minimize your anxiety and maximize your success with these
problems by following these guidelines:
GUIDELINES FOR SOLVING MAXIMA/MINIMA PROBLEMS
1. Read each problem slowly and carefully. Read the problem at least three times before trying to
solve it. Sometimes words can be ambiguous. It is imperative to know exactly what the problem
is asking. If you misread the problem or hurry through it, you have NO chance of solving it
correctly.
2. If appropriate, draw a sketch or diagram of the problem to be solved. Pictures are a great help
in organizing and sorting out your thoughts.
3. Define variables to be used and carefully label your picture or diagram with these variables.
This step is very important because it leads directly or indirectly to the creation of mathematical
equations.
4. Write down all equations which are related to your problem or diagram. Clearly denote that
equation which you are asked to maximize or minimize. Experience will show you that MOST
optimization problems will begin with two equations. One equation is a "constraint" equation
and the other is the "optimization" equation. The "constraint" equation is used to solve for one of
the variables. This is then substituted into the "optimization" equation before differentiation
occurs. Some problems may have NO constraint equation. Some problems may have two or
more constraint equations.
5. Before differentiating, make sure that the optimization equation is a function of only one
variable. Then differentiate using the well-known rules of differentiation.
6. Verify that your result is a maximum or minimum value using the first or second derivative
test for extrema.
The following problems range in difficulty from average to challenging.
PROBLEM 1: 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.
SOLUTION 1: Let variables x and y represent two nonnegative numbers. The sum of the two numbers is
given to be
9=x+y
so that
y=9-x
1
Copyright © Caesar P. Llapitan 2007-2008 All Rights Reserved
We wish to MAXIMIZE the PRODUCT

P = x y2
However, before we differentiate the right-hand side, we will write it as a function of x only.
Substitute for y getting
P = x y2 = x (9 - x)2
Now differentiate this equation using the product rule and chain rule, getting
P' = x (2) (9 - x) (-1) + (1) (9-x)2
= (9 - x) [-2x + (9 - x)]
= (9 - x) [9 - 3x]
= (9 - x) (3) [3 - x]
=0
for
x = 9 or x = 3
Note that since both x and y is nonnegative numbers and their sum is 9, it follows that 0  x  9.
If
x = 3 and y = 6
then
P = 108
is the largest possible product.
PROBLEM 2: Build a rectangular pen with three parallel partitions using 500 feet of fencing. What
dimensions will maximize the total area of the pen?
SOLUTION 2: Let variable x be the width of the pen and variable y the length of the pen.
y
x x x x x
y
The total amount of fencing is given to be
500 = 5 (width) + 2 (length) = 5x + 2y
so that
2y = 500 - 5x
or
y = 250 - (5/2) x
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total AREA of the pen
2
A = (width) (length) = x y
A=xy
= x (250 - (5/2) x)
= 250x - (5/2) x2
Now differentiate this equation, getting

A' = 250 - (5/2) 2x
= 250 - 5x
= 5 (50 - x)
=0
for
x=50
Note that since there are 5 lengths of x in this construction and 500 feet of fencing, it follows that 0 
x  100.
If
x = 50 ft. and y = 125 ft.
then
A = 6250 ft.2
is the largest possible area of the pen
PROBLEM 3: An open rectangular box with square base is to be made from 48 ft.2 of material. What
dimensions will result in a box with the largest possible volume?
SOLUTION 3: Let variable x be the length of one edge of the square base and variable y the height of
the box.
x
The total surface area of the box is given to be
48 = (area of base) + 4 (area of one side) = x2 + 4 (x y)
so that
4xy = 48 - x2
or
3
48  x 2
y
4x
12 1
  x
x 4
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the box

V = (length) (width) (height) = (x) (x) (y) = x2 y
 12 1 
V = x2 y = x 2   x 
 x 4 
= 12x - (1/4) x3

V' = 12 - (1/4)3x2
= 12 - (3/4) x2
= (3/4) (16 - x2)
= (3/4) (4 - x) (4 + x)
=0
for
x = 4 or x = -4
But x  -4 since variable x measures a distance and x > 0. Since the base of the box is square and
there are 48 ft.2 of material, it follows that 0  x  48 .
If
x = 4 ft. and y = 2 ft.
then
V = 32 ft.3
is the largest possible volume of the box.
4
PROBLEM 4: A container in the shape of a right circular cylinder with no top has surface area 3 ft.2
What height h and base radius r will maximize the volume of the cylinder?
SOLUTION 4: Let variable r be the radius of the circular base and variable h the height of the cylinder.
The total surface area of the cylinder is given to be

3π = (area of base) + (area of the curved side) = πr2 + (2πr) h
so that
2rh  3  r 2
or
3  r 2
h
2r
3 1
  r
2r 2
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the cylinder

V = (area of base) (height) = r 2 h
However, before we differentiate the right-hand side, we will write it as a function of r only.
Substitute for h getting
V  r 2 h
 3 1 
 r 2   r 
 2r 2 
3 1
 r  r 3
2 2

3 3
V '    r 2
2 2
 1  r 1  r   0
3
2
for
5
r = 1 or r = -1
But r   1 , since variable r measures a distance and r > 0. Since the base of the box is a circle and
there is 3π ft.2 of material, it follows that 0  r  3 .
If
r = 1 ft. and h = 1 ft.
then
V   ft 3
is the largest possible volume of the cylinder
PROBLEM 5: A sheet of cardboard 3 ft. by 4 ft. will be made into a box by cutting equal-sized squares
from each corner and folding up the four edges. What will be the dimensions of the box with largest
volume?
SOLUTION 5: Let variable x be the length of one edge of the square cut from each corner of the sheet of
cardboard.
4
x x
x x
3
x x
x x
After removing the corners and folding up the flaps, we have an ordinary rectangular box.
3 - 2x
4 - 2x
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the box

V = (length) (width) (height) = (4-2x) (3-2x) (x)
Now differentiate this equation using the triple product rule, getting
V' = (-2) (3-2x) (x) + (4-2x) (-2) (x) + (4-2x) (3-2x) (1)
= -6x + 4x2 - 8x + 4x2 + 4x2 - 14x + 12
= 12x2 - 28x + 12
= 4 (3x2 - 7x + 3)
=0
6
for (Use the quadratic formula.)

 (7)  (7) 2  4(3)(3) 7  13
x 
2(3) 6
i.e., for
x  0.57 or x 1.77
But x  1.77 , since variable x measures a distance. In addition, the short edge of the cardboard is 3
ft., so it follows that 0  x 1.50 .
If
x  0.57 ft
then
V  3.03 ft 3
is largest possible volume of the box.
PROBLEM 6: Consider all triangles formed by lines passing through the point (8/9, 3) and both the x-
and y-axes. Find the dimensions of the triangle with the shortest hypotenuse.
SOLUTION 6: Let variable x be the x-intercept and variable y the y-intercept of the line passing through
the point (8/9, 3).
(0, y)
(8/9, 3)
y
(x, 0)
x
Set up a relationship between x and y using similar triangles.
(8/9, 3)
y
3
8/9 x-8/9
x
7
One relationship is
y 3

x x 8 / 9
so that
3x
y
x 8 / 9
We wish to MINIMIZE the length of the HYPOTENUSE of the triangle
H  x2  y2
H  x2  y2
2
 3x 
 x2   
 x 8/9 
Now differentiate this equation using the chain rule and quotient rule, getting
1 / 2
  3x  
2 
  3x  x  8 / 9(3)  (3x)(1) 

H '  1 / 2 x 2    2 x  2  
  x  8 / 9     x 8/9  ( x  8 / 9) 2 
  
Factor a 2 out of the big brackets and simplify.

8x
x
( x  8 / 9) 3
 0
2
 3x 
x2   
 x 8/9 
so that
8x
x 0
( x  8 / 9) 3
By factoring out x, it follows that


 8 

x 1  0
 3

 ( x  8 / 9) 
so that
x=0
(Impossible since x> 8/9. Why?) or
8
8
1 0
( x  8 / 9) 3
Then
(x - 8/9)3 = 8
x - 8/9 = 2
and
x = 26/9
If
x = 26/9 and y=13/3
then
13 13
H 5.21
9
is the shortest possible hypotenuse.
PROBLEM 7: Find the point (x, y) on the graph of y  x nearest the point (4, 0).
SOLUTION 7: Let (x, y) represent a randomly chosen point on the graph of y  x .

y
𝑦 = √𝑥
(x, y)
x
(4, 0)
We wish to MINIMIZE the DISTANCE between points (x, y) and (4, 0)

L  ( x  4) 2  ( y  0) 2  ( x  4) 2  y 2
L  ( x  4) 2  y 2
 ( x  4) 2  ( x ) 2
 ( x  4) 2  x
Now differentiate this equation using the chain rule, getting
9

L'  (1 / 2) ( x  4) 2  x 1 / 2 2( x  4) 1
2x  7
 0
2 ( x  4) 2  x
so that
2x - 7 = 0
or
x =7/2
If
x = 7/2 and y  7 / 2 1.87
then
15
L
 1.94
2
is the shortest possible distance from (4, 0) to the graph of y  x .
PROBLEM 8: A cylindrical can is to hold 20 m3. The material for the top and bottom costs $10/m.2
and material for the side costs $8/m2. Find the radius r and height h of the most economical can.
SOLUTION 8: Let variable r be the radius of the circular base and variable h the height of the cylinder.
r
The total volume of the cylinder is given to be
20π = (area of base) (height) = (πr2) h
so that
20 20
h 
2
r r2
We wish to MINIMIZE the total COST of construction of the cylinder

C = (total cost of bottom) + (total cost of top) + (total cost of side)
= (unit cost of bottom)(area of bottom) + (unit cost of top)(area of top) + (unit cost of
side) (area of side)
 $10 (r 2 )  $10 (r 2 )  $8 (2rh)
10
For convenience, drop the $ signs until the end of the problem
 20r 2  16rh
C  20r 2  16rh
 20 
 20r 2  16r  
 r2 
320
 20r 2 
r

 1 320
C '  40r  320   40r 
 r2  r2
(Get a common denominator and combine fractions.)

 r 2  320
C '  40r   
 2  r2
 
40r 3  320

r2


40 r 3  8 
r2
0
so that (If A/B = 0, then A=0 .)

40π (r3 – 8) = 0
r3 = 8
or
r=2
Since variable r measures a distance, it must satisfy r > 0.
If
r = 2 m and h = 5 m
then
C = $240π  $754
is the least possible cost of construction.
11
PROBLEM 9: You are standing at the edge of a slow-moving river which is one mile wide and wish to
return to your campground on the opposite side of the river. You can swim at 2 mph and walk at 3 mph.
You must first swim across the river to any point on the opposite bank AND From there walk to the
campground, which is one mile from the point directly across the river from where you start your swim.
What route will take the least amount of time?
SOLUTION 9: Let variable x be the distance denoted in the given diagram.

1 mi
x 1-x Camp ground
1 mi √1 + 𝑥 2 river
you
Assume that you travel at the following rates:

SWIM: 2 mph
WALK: 3 mph
Recall that if travel is at a CONSTANT rate of speed, then

(Distance traveled) = (rate of travel) (time elapsed)
or
D=RT
so that time elapsed is

D
T
R
We wish to MINIMIZE the total TIME elapsed
T = (swim time) + (walk time)
= (swim distance)/(swim rate) + (walk distance)/(walk rate)
1 x2 1 x
 
2 3

T '  (1 / 2)(1 / 2) 1  x 2 1 / 2 (2x) 1/ 3
x 1
 
2 1 x2 3
0
so that
x 1

2 1 x2 3
12
and
3x  2 1  x 2
Square both sides of this equation, getting

9x2 = 4 (1 + x2) = 4 + 4x2
so that
5x2 = 4
x2 = 4/5
or
2
x   0.89
5
2
But x  since variable x measures a distance and 0  x  1 .
5
If
2
x  0.89 mi
5
then
T  0.71 hr
is the shortest possible time of travel.
PROBLEM 10: There are 50 apple trees in an orchard. Each tree produces 800 apples. For each
additional tree planted in the orchard, the output per tree drops by 10 apples. How many trees should be
added to the existing orchard in order to maximize the total output of trees?
SOLUTION 10: Let variable x be the ADDITIONAL trees planted in the existing orchard. We wish to
MAXIMIZE the total PRODUCTION of apples
P = (number of trees) (apple output per tree)
= (50 + x) (800 - 10x)
= 40,000 + 300 x - 10 x2

P' = 300 - 20 x
= 20 (15 - x)
=0
for
x = 15
If
x = 15 additional trees,
13
then
P = 42,250 apples
is the largest possible production of apples.
PROBLEM 11: Find the dimensions of the rectangle of largest area which can be inscribed in the closed
region bounded by the x-axis, y-axis, and graph of y = 8 - x3. (See diagram.)
SOLUTION 11: Let variable x be the length of the base and variable y the height of the inscribed
rectangle.
y
y = 8-x3
8
(x, y)
2 x
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total AREA of the rectangle

A = (length of base) (height) = x y
A=xy
= x (8 - x3)
= 8x - x4

A' = 8 - 4 x3
= 4 (2 - x3)
=0
so that
x3 = 2
and
x  21 / 3 1.26
Note that 0  x  2 .
If
x  21 / 3 1.26 and y = 6
14
then
 
A  6 21 / 3  7.60
is the largest possible area for the inscribed rectangle.
PROBLEM 12: Consider a rectangle of perimeter 12 inches. Form a cylinder by revolving this rectangle
about one of its edges. What dimensions of the rectangle will result in a cylinder of maximum volume?
SOLUTION 12: Let variable r be the length of the base and variable h the height of the rectangle.
r
It is given that the perimeter of the rectangle is
12 = 2r + 2h
so that
2h = 12 - 2r
and
h=6-r
We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the resulting CYLINDER

 
V = (area of base) (height) = r 2 h
V  r 2 h
 r 2 (6  r )

  6r 2  r 3 
.

V '   12r  3r 2 
 3r 4  r 
0
for
15
r = 0 or r = 4
Since variable r measures distance and the perimeter of the rectangle is 12, 0  r  6 .
If
r = 4 ft. and h = 2 ft. ,
then
V = 32π ft3  100.53 ft3
is the largest possible volume for the cylinder.
PROBLEM 13: A movie screen on a wall is 20 feet high and 10 feet above the floor. At what distance x
from the front of the room should you position yourself so that the viewing angle  of the movie screen
is as large as possible? (See diagram.)
20

10

x
SOLUTION 13: Let variable  be the viewing angle and variable x the distance as denoted in the
diagram. We seek to write angle  as a function of distance x. Introduce angle  as in the diagram
below.
It follows from basic trigonometry that

10
tan  
x
so that
 10 
  arctan   (1)
 x
In a similar fashion
tan     
30
x
so that
 30 
    arctan  
 x 
or
 30 
  arctan     (2)
 x 
Use  from Equation 1 to substitute into Equation 2, getting
16
 30   10 
  arctan    arctan  
 x   x
We wish to MAXIMIZE angle THETA given in this equation. Differentiate this equation, getting
1   30  1   10 
'      
2 2 2 2 
 30   x   10   x 
1   1  
 x   x
 30 10
 
x 2  30 2 x 2  10 2
0
so that
30 10

x 2  30 2 x 2  10 2
30 x2 + 3000 = 10 x2 + 9000
20 x2 = 6000
x2 = 300 ,
for
x   300   10 3   17.32
Since variable x measures distance and x  0 , then x  10 3 . Therefore
 30   10 
  arctan    arctan  
 10 3   10 3 
 arctan  3  arctan  13 

 
 
 
3 6

 radians
6
or
 = 30 degrees
If
x  10 3 ft  17.32 ft
then

 = 30 degrees = radians
6
is the largest possible viewing angle.
17
PROBLEM 14: Find the dimensions (radius r and height h) of the cone of maximum volume which can
be inscribed in a sphere of radius 2.
SOLUTION 14: Let variable r be the radius of the circular base and variable h the height of the inscribed
cone as shown in the two-dimensional side view.
2
z
r r
It is given that the circle'sr radiusr is 2. Find a relationship between r and h. Let variable z be the
height of the small right triangle.
By the Pythagorean Theorem it follows that

r2 + z2 = 22
so that
z2 = 4 - r2
or
z  4r2
Thus the height of the inscribed cone is

h2 z 2 4r2
We wish to MINIMIZE the total VOLUME of the CONE

V  (1 / 3) r 2 h
V  (1 / 3) r 2 h
 (1 / 3) r 2  2  4  r 2 
 
Now differentiate this equation using the product rule and the chain rule, getting


V '  (1 / 3)r 2 0  (1 / 2) 4  r 2


1 / 2 
(2r )  (1 / 3)(2r ) 2  4  r 2 
  
Factor out ( / 3) , get a common denominator, and simplify fractions.
18
   r 3 
   2r  2  4  r 2 
3  4  r2
  
   r 3 4  r2 

   2r  2  4  r 2  
3  4  r2   4  r2 

 3 
  r  2r  2  4  r 2  4  r 2 
   
  
3 4  r2 
 
 
 3

 r  2r  2 4  r 2  4  r 2  
 


  
3 4  r2 
 
Factor out (r)

 2
 
 r  2 2 4  r 2  4  r 2

  
 r 
3  4  r2 
 
0
so that
r=0
or

 r 2  2 2 4  r 2  4  r 2 
  0

2
4r
i.e.,

 r 2  2 2 4  r 2  4  r 2  = 0
 

Then (Isolate the square root term.)
4 4  r 2  8  2r 2  r 2
4 4  r 2  3r 2  8
(Square both sides of this equation.)
 
2
16 4  r 2   3r 2  8
2
 
16 (4 - r ) = 9 r4 - 48 r2 + 64
2
19
64 - 16 r2 = 9 r4 - 48 r2 + 64
32 r2 - 9 r4 = 0
r2 (32 - 9 r2) = 0
so that
r=0
or
32 - 9 r2 = 0
r2 = 32/9
or
r   32 / 9   4 2 / 3   1.89
But r   4 2 / 3 since variable r measures a distance and 0  r  2 .
If
r  4 2 / 3 1.89 and h = 8/3  2.67
then
V  9.93
is the largest possible volume for the inscribed cone.
PROBLEM 15: What angle  between two edges of length 3 will result in an isosceles triangle with the
largest area? (See diagram.)

3 3
SOLUTION 15: Write the area of the given isosceles triangle as a function of . Let variable x be the
length of the base and variable y the height of the triangle, and consider angle /2. Write each of x and y
as functions of .
3 /2 3
y
x/2
x
It follows from basic trigonometry that
 y
cos   
2 3
so that
20

y  3 cos  (1)
2
and
x
 
sin    2 
2 3 6
so that

x  6 sin   (2)
2
We wish to MAXIMIZE the AREA of the isosceles triangle

A = (1/2) (length of base) (height) = (1/2) xy
Before we differentiate, use Equations 1 and 2 to rewrite the right-hand side as a function of only.
Then
A = (1/2) xy
      
A  (1 / 2)  6 sin     3 cos   
  2   2 
 
 9 sin   cos  
2 2
Now differentiate this equation using the product rule and chain rule, getting
       
A'  9 sin    sin   (1 / 2)  9cos  (1 / 2) cos 
 2 2   2  2
(Factor out (9/2) and simplify the expression.)

9    
 cos 2    sin 2  
2 2  2 
0
so that
 
cos 2    sin 2    0
2 2
and
 
cos 2    sin 2  
2 2
It follows algebraically (Why?) that

 
cos    sin  
2 2
so that from basic trigonometry we get
21
   3
 or 
2 4 2 4
and hence
 3
 or  
2 2
3
Because  measures an angle in a triangle, it is logical to assume that 0     . Thus,   .
2
If

 radians = 90 degrees,
2
then
A = 9/2
is the largest possible area for the triangle.

6
PROBLEM 16: Of all lines tangent to the graph of y  , find the tangent lines of minimum slope
2
x 3
and maximum slope.
SOLUTION 16: We need to determine a general SLOPE EQUATION for tangent lines.
6
This means that we need the first derivative of y. Differentiate y  using the quotient rule,
2
x 3
getting
y' 
x 2  3(0)  (6)(2x)
x 2  32
 12 x

x 2  32
We wish to MAXIMIZE and MINIMIZE the SLOPE equation
 12 x
S
x2  3
2
 
22
Now differentiate this equation using the quotient rule and chain rule, getting
S'
x 2  3 (12)  (12 x) 2 x 2  3(2 x)
2
x 2  34
Factor out -12 and (x2+3) from the numerator and simplify the expression.

  
 12 x 2  3 x 2  3  4 x 2 
x 2  34
 361  x 1  x 

x 2  33
0
so that
-36 (1 - x) (1 + x) = 0
and
x = 1 or x = -1
If
x = -1 and y = 3/2
then
S = 3/4
is the largest possible slope for this graph. The corresponding tangent line is
y - 3/2 = 3/4(x - (-1))
or
y = (3/4) x + (9/4)
If
x = 1 and y = 3/2
then
S = -3/4
is the smallest possible slope for this graph. The corresponding tangent line is
y - 3/2 = -3/4(x - 1)
or
y = (-3/4) x + (9/4)
23
PROBLEM 17: Find the length of the shortest ladder that will reach over an 8-ft. high fence to a large
wall which is 3 ft. behind the fence. (See diagram.)
ladder
wall
8
3
SOLUTION 17: Let variable L be the length of the ladder resting on the top of the fence and touching
the wall behind it. Let variables x and y be the lengths as shown in the diagram.
L
y
8
3 x-3
x
Write L as a function of x. First find a relationship between y and x using similar triangles. For example,
y 8

x x3
8x
y
x3
We wish to MINIMIZE the LENGTH of the ladder

L  x2  y2
Before we differentiate, rewrite the right-hand side as a function of x only. Then

L  x2  y2
2
 8x  64 x 2
 x2   2
  x 
 x  3 x  32
24

L'  (1 / 2) x 2 
64 x 2 
1 / 2


 2 x 
 
x  32 (128 x)  64 x 2 2( x  3) 

 x  32   x  34 
  
Simplifying the entire expression:
 192 
x 1  
 x  33 
L'  0
64 x 2
x2 
x  32
Then
 192 
x 1  0
 x  33 
Then
x=0
or
192
1 0
x  33
x – 3 = 1921/3  5.77
x  8.77
Note that x > 3

If
x  8.77 ft and y  16.67
then
L  17.64 ft
is the length of the shortest possible ladder.
25
PROBLEM 18: Find the point P = (x, 0) on the x-axis which minimizes the sum of the squares of the
distances from P to (0, 0) and from P to (3, 2).
SOLUTION 18:
y
(3, 2)
(x, 0) x
Let variable S be the sum of the squares of the distances between (0, 0) and (x, 0)
2
 x  02  0  02   x 2
 
 
and between (3, 2) and (x, 0)
2
 x  32  0  22   x 2  6 x  13

 
.
We wish to MINIMIZE the SUM of the squares of the distances
S = x2 + (x2 - 6x +13) = 2x2 - 6x +13
Now differentiate, getting

S' = 4x - 6
= 4(x - 3/2)
=0
for
x= 3/2
If
x = 3/2
then
S = 17/2
is the smallest sum.
26
PROBLEM 19: Car B is 30 miles directly east of Car A and begins moving west at 90 mph. At the same
moment car A begins moving north at 60 mph. What will be the minimum distance between the cars and
at what time t does the minimum distance occur?
SOLUTION 19:
N
W E
Car A 30 mi Car B
Assume that the two cars travel at the following rates:

CAR A: 60 mph
CAR B: 90 mph
Let variable x be the distance car A travels in t hours, and variable y the distance car B travels in t
hours. Let variable L be the distance between cars A and B after t hours.
Car A
30-y y
Car B
Thus, by the Pythagorean Theorem distance L is
L  x 2  30  y 2
Before we differentiate, we will rewrite the right-hand side as a function of t only. Recall that if
travel is at a CONSTANT rate then
(Distance traveled) = (rate of travel) (time elapsed)
Thus, for car A the distance traveled after t hours is

x = 60 t (1)
and for car B the distance traveled after t hours is

y = 90 t (2)
Use Equations 1 and 2 to rewrite the equation for L as a function of t only. Thus, we wish to
27
MINIMIZE the DISTANCE between the two cars

L  x 2  30  y 2
 60t 2  30  90t 2

 3600t 2  30  90t 2
Differentiate, using the chain rule, getting


L'  (1 / 2) 3600t 2  30  90t 2 1 / 2 7200t  230  90t (90)
23,400t  5400

2 3600t 2  30  90t 2
0
so that
23,400 t - 5400 = 0
and
t  0.23
If
t  0.23 hrs. = 13.8 min.
then
x  13.85 mi and y  20.77 mi
and
L  24.96 mi
is the shortest possible distance between the cars.
PROBLEM 20: A rectangular piece of paper is 12 inches high and six inches wide. The lower right-hand
corner is folded over so as to reach the leftmost edge of the paper (See diagram.).
6 in
12 in
crease
Find the minimum length of the resulting crease.

28
SOLUTION 20: Let variable L represent the length of the crease and let variables x and y be as shown in
the diagram.
6 in
12 in
L y
x
x
We wish to write L as a function of x. Introduce variable w as shown in the following diagram.
6 in
12 -y
12 -w
L y
x
w
6 -x x
It follows from the Pythagorean Theorem that
w2 + (6-x)2 = x2
so that
w2 = x2 - (x2 - 12x + 36) = 12x - 36
and
w  12 x  36
Find a relationship between x and y. The total area of the paper can be computed from the areas of three
right triangles, two of which are exactly the same dimensions, and one rhombus. In particular
72 = (total area of paper)
= (area of small triangle) + 2(area of large triangle) + (area of rhombus)
= (1/2)(length of base)(height) + 2(1/2)(length of base)(height) + (average height)(length of
base)
  
 (1 / 2)(6  x)( 12 x  36 )  ( x)( y )  (1 / 2) 12  y   12  12 x  36 (6)
 3  (1 / 2) x  12 x  36  xy  3 24  y   12 x  36 
 3 12 x  36  (1 / 2) x 12 x  36  xy  72  3 y  3 12 x  36
29
  (1 / 2) x 12 x  36  xy  72  3 y
i.e.,
72   (1 / 2) x 12 x  36  xy  72  3 y
Solve this equation for y. Then

x 12 x  36
y
2( x  3)
We wish to MINIMIZE the LENGTH of the crease

L  x2  y2
Before we differentiate, rewrite the right-hand side as a function of x only. Then

L  x2  y2
2
 x 12 x  36 
 x  2 

 2( x  3) 
3x 2
2
 x 
x3

L'  (1 / 2)  x 2 
3 x 2 
1 / 2

2 x 
 
( x  3)(6 x)  3 x 2 (1) 

 x  3   x  32 

3 x 2  18 x
2x 

x  32
3x 2
2
2 x 
x3
 3 x  18 
( x ) 2  
 x  32 

3x 2
2 x2 
x3
0
So that
 3x  18 
( x ) 2  0
 x  32 
Thus
x=0
30
or
3x  18
2 =0
x  32
-2 (x-3)2 = 3x - 18
-2 (x2 - 6x + 9) = 3x - 18
-2 x2 + 12x -18 = 3x - 18
-2 x2 + 9x = 0
x ( -2x + 9 ) = 0
so that
x=0
or
(-2x + 9) = 0
i.e.,
x = 9/2
Note that since the paper is 6 inches wide, it follows that 3  x  6 .
If
x = 9/2 in. and y  9 / 2 in.  6.36 in.
then
L  9 3 / 2 in  7.79 in
is the length of the shortest possible crease.
31

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Applied Maxima-Minima Problems

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GUIDELINES FOR SOLVING MAXIMA/MINIMA PROBLEMS

The following problems range in difficulty from average to challenging.

We wish to MAXIMIZE the PRODUCT

is the largest possible product.

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total AREA of the pen

Now differentiate this equation, getting

is the largest possible area of the pen

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the box

Now differentiate this equation, getting

is the largest possible volume of the box.

The total surface area of the cylinder is given to be

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the cylinder

Now differentiate this equation, getting

is the largest possible volume of the cylinder

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the box

for (Use the quadratic formula.)

is largest possible volume of the box.

Factor a 2 out of the big brackets and simplify.

By factoring out x, it follows that

(Impossible since x> 8/9. Why?) or

SOLUTION 7: Let (x, y) represent a randomly chosen point on the graph of y  x .

We wish to MINIMIZE the DISTANCE between points (x, y) and (4, 0)

Now differentiate this equation using the chain rule, getting

We wish to MINIMIZE the total COST of construction of the cylinder

Now differentiate this equation, getting

(Get a common denominator and combine fractions.)

so that (If A/B = 0, then A=0 .)

Since variable r measures a distance, it must satisfy r > 0.

is the least possible cost of construction.

SOLUTION 9: Let variable x be the distance denoted in the given diagram.

x 1-x Camp ground

Assume that you travel at the following rates:

Recall that if travel is at a CONSTANT rate of speed, then

so that time elapsed is

Square both sides of this equation, getting

is the shortest possible time of travel.

Now differentiate this equation, getting

is the largest possible production of apples.

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total AREA of the rectangle

Now differentiate this equation, getting

is the largest possible area for the inscribed rectangle.

We wish to MAXIMIZE the total VOLUME of the resulting CYLINDER

It follows from basic trigonometry that

 arctan  3  arctan  13 

By the Pythagorean Theorem it follows that

Thus the height of the inscribed cone is

We wish to MINIMIZE the total VOLUME of the CONE

Factor out (r)

(Square both sides of this equation.)

is the largest possible volume for the inscribed cone.

We wish to MAXIMIZE the AREA of the isosceles triangle

(Factor out (9/2) and simplify the expression.)

It follows algebraically (Why?) that

so that from basic trigonometry we get

is the largest possible area for the triangle.

We wish to MINIMIZE the LENGTH of the ladder

Before we differentiate, rewrite the right-hand side as a function of x only. Then

Note that x > 3

is the length of the shortest possible ladder.

Now differentiate, getting

is the smallest sum.

Assume that the two cars travel at the following rates: