Maximizing the volume of a fuel tank

constructed from a rectangular plane

sheet metal measuring 7 meters by 5
meters and, use this to decide whether to
use a cylindrical or a rectangular model.
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Page 1 of 34
“Mathematics is the foundation of the universe

One can do anything with the knowledge of mathematics

He can invent, innovate and even reshape the human understanding”

The Meteorologist Company has to supply Gasoline to their remote Radar station and wants to
construct a large storage tank using a large rectangle steel sheet with dimension of 10meters
by x 7 meters

There is no electricity supply at the site and this tank should hold the maximum attainable vol-
ume of the gasoline in order to operate a generator for at least 1 month. This is to ensure that
the radar station has a constant supply of electricity.

A relative must complete this project and has asked me for some assistance to utilize this met-
al sheet and construct a tank with the maximum volume.

Page 2 of 34
In order to construct a rectangular tank from a sheet of metal, the ends or corners of the sheet
must be cut out in order for the sides to be folded up.

This cut-out has to be a square in order for all the sides to be folded up to have the same
height.

Let the side of this square cut-out be 𝑥 meters.

In order to get the maximum volume we have to develop a relationship between the volume
of the tank 𝑉 m3 and the length of sides 𝑥 of the cut outs.

In order words, there needs to be a specific value of 𝑥 (which when cut out, will produce a
tank with the maximum volume).

The following steps outline how this is going to be done:

Note: Variables

Volume: 𝑉 meters3

Length of 𝑥 meters
side :

Page 3 of 34
 Metal Sheet

10m

7m

BEFORE CUT - OUT

Xm (10-2X) m Xm

Xm

(7-2X)M

Xm

Outline of Cut - Outs

Key

= Outline to be cut out = Metal sheet Remains

= Portion to be cut out

Page 4 of 34
 (10-2X) m

Xm

(7 - 2X) m

Xm

AFTER CUT OUT

Volume = Area of cross section x height

Area of the Cross Section (rectangle) A = (Length x Width)

A = (10 – 2𝑥) (7 – 2𝑥)

A = 70 – 20𝑥 – 14𝑥 + 4𝑥 2 meters

A = (4𝑥 2 – 34𝑥 + 70) m2

This is the relationship between Area of cross section A and the length of the side of the cut-
out square x.

Now to calculate the volume of the rectangular tank

Volume of Rectangular tank V = Area of cross section x height

= (4𝑥 2 – 34𝑥 + 70) ( 𝑥 ) m3

𝑉 = (4𝒙3 – 34𝒙2 + 70𝒙) m3

Page 5 of 34
This polynomials expresses the volume of Tank 𝑉 m3 in terms of 𝑥 meters

𝑽 = (4𝒙3 – 34𝒙2 + 70𝒙) m3

This equation will now be used in two approaches to investigate how the volume V relates
with the length of side x.

1. Graphical Approach
2. Using Calculus

Page 6 of 34
Graphical method

In this approach, a graph of Volume V against x will be plotted. To obtain coordinate points,
values of x will be substituted into the equation and the corresponding value for V obtained.

Our Equation 𝑽 = (4𝒙3 – 34𝒙2 + 70𝒙) m3

1. Substitute x = 0.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(0.0)3 – 34(0.0)2 + 70(0.0) m3

= 0 m3

2. Substitute x = 0.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(0.2)3 – 34(0.2)2 + 70(0.2) m3

= 7.23 m3

3. Substitute x = 0.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(0.4)3 – 34(0.4)2 + 70(0.4) m3

= 22.82 m3

4. Substitute x = 0.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(0.6)3 – 34(0.6)2 + 70(0.6) m3

= 30.62 m3

5. Substitute x = 0.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(0.8)3 – 34(0.8)2 + 70(0.8) m3

= 36.29 m3

Page 7 of 34
6. Substitute x = 1.0 into Equation V
V = ( 4(1.0)3 – 34(1.0)2 + 70(1.0) m3

= 40 m3

7. Substitute x = 1.2 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.2)3 – 34(1.2)2 + 70(1.2) m3

= 41.95 m3

8. Substitute x = 1.4 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.4)3 – 34(1.4)2 + 70(1.4) m3

= 42.34 m3

9. Substitute x = 1.6 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.6)3 – 34(1.6)2 + 70(1.6) m3

= 42.34 m3

10.Substitute x = 1.8 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.8)3 – 34(1.8)2 + 70(1.8) m3

= 39.17 m3

11.Substitute x = 2.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(2.0)3 – 34(2.0)2 + 70(2.0) m3

= 36 m3

12.Substitute x = 2.2 into Equation V

V = ( 4(2.2)3 – 34(2.2)2 + 70(2.2) m3

= 32.03 m3

Page 8 of 34
13.Substitute x = 2.4 into Equation V
V = ( 4(2.4)3 – 34(2.4)2 + 70(2.4) m3

= 27.46 m3

14.Substitute x = 2.6 into Equation V

V = ( 4(2.6)3 – 34(2.6)2 + 70(2.6) m3

= 22.46 m3

15.Substitute x = 2.8 into Equation V

V = ( 4(2.8)3 – 34(2.8)2 + 70(2.8) m3

= 17.25 m3

16.Substitute x = 3.0 into Equation V

V = ( 4(3.0)3 – 34(3.0)2 + 70(3.0) m3

= 12 m3

17.Substitute x = 3.2 into Equation V

V = ( 4(3.2)3 – 34(3.2)2 + 70(3.2) m3

= 6.91 m3

18.Substitute x = 3.4 into Equation V

V = ( 4(3.4)3 – 34(3.4)2 + 70(3.4) m3

= 2.18 m3

19.Substitute x = 3.6 into Equation V

V = ( 4(3.6)3 – 34(3.6)2 + 70(3.6) m3

= -2.02 m3

Page 9 of 34
 X / cm Volume / m^3 Co-ordinate

0 0 0,0
0.2 7.23 0.2, 7.23
0.4 22.82 0.4, 22.82
0.6 30.62 0.6, 30.62
0.8 36.29 0.8, 36.29
1 40 1.0, 40.00
1.2 41.95 1.2, 41.95
1.4 42.34 1.4, 42.34
1.6 41.34 1.6, 41.34
1.8 39.17 1.8, 39.17
2 36 2.0, 36.00
2.2 32.03 2.2, 32.03
2.4 27.46 2.4, 27.46
2.6 22.46 2.6, 22.46
2.8 17.25 2.8, 17.25
3 12 3.0, 12.00
3.2 6.91 3.2, 6.91
3.4 2.18 3.4, 2.18

Table 1

As can be seen, the maximum value of Volume V lies between

The values
𝑥 = 1.4 and 1.6
To get a better approximation, a smaller interval between the points can be used.
Using an interval of 0.5
Equation V = ( 4𝒙3 – 34𝒙2 + 70𝒙 ) m3

Page 10 of 34
 20.Substitute x = 1.2 into Equation V
V = ( 4(1.2)3 – 34(1.2)2 + 70(1.2) m3

= -2.02 m3

21.Substitute x = 1.25 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.25)3 – 34(1.25)2 + 70(1.25) m3

= 42.19 m3

22.Substitute x = 1.3 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.3)3 – 34(1.3)2 + 70(1.3) m3

= -42.33 m3

23.Substitute x = 1.35 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.35)3 – 34(1.35)2 + 70(1.35) m3

= 42.38 m3

24.Substitute x = 1.4 into Equation V

V = ( 4(1.4)3 – 34(1.4)2 + 70(1.4) m3

= 42.34 m3

The values of Volume V increased up to 42.38 m3 and then started to decrease,

therefore we can stop at this stage.

Page 11 of 34
 X / cm Volume / m^3 Co-ordinate

0 0 0,0
0.2 7.23 0.2, 7.23
0.4 22.82 0.4, 22.82
0.6 30.62 0.6, 30.62
0.8 36.29 0.8, 36.29
1 40 1.0, 40.00
1.2 41.95 1.2, 41.95
1.25 42.19 1.25, 42.19
1.3 42.33 1.3, 42.33
1.35 42.38 1.35, 42.38
1.4 42.34 1.4, 42.34
1.6 41.34 1.6, 41.34
1.8 39.17 1.8, 39.17
2 36 2.0, 36.00
2.2 32.03 2.2, 32.03
2.4 27.46 2.4, 27.46
2.6 22.46 2.6, 22.46
2.8 17.25 2.8, 17.25
3 12 3.0, 12.00
3.2 6.91 3.2, 6.91
3.4 2.18 3.4, 2.18

Table 1.1

A better Approximation would be 1.35 meters

The graph of Volume 𝑉/ m3 against 𝑥 /m is now plotted.

Page 12 of 34
Page 13 of 34
The equation obtained is
V = ( 4𝒙3 – 34𝒙2 + 70𝒙 )
m3

This is a polynomial of degree 3 which means that it will have two (2) turning
points. Now, at a turning point (which can either be a maximum, minimum or a
point of inflexion), the tangent to the curve at that point is a horizontal line which
means that the gradient equals zero (0).
𝑑𝑦
Differentiation can be employed here to find the gradient function which is a
𝑑𝑥
function that can give the gradient of the tangent at any point on the curve.
If this function obtained is then put equal to zero, the value of 𝑥 at the turning
point will be found

Page 14 of 34
 𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚
If y= a𝒙n then = na𝒙n-1 where represents the Gradient function of the curve.
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙

𝑉 = ( 4𝑥 3 – 34𝑥 2 + 70𝑥 )
𝑑𝑉
= 3(4)x3-1 – 2(34)𝑥 2-1 + 1(70)𝑥 1-1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉
= 12𝑥 2 – 68𝑥 + 70
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
Now at a turning point, the gradient equals zero
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑉
12x2 – 68x + 70 = 0
𝑑𝑥
−𝑏 ± ξ𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
To find the values of x. we now use the Quadratic formula 𝑥=
2𝑎

𝑑𝑉
= 12x2 – 68x + 70 c
𝑑𝑥

a b

−𝑏 ± ξ𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
Quadratic formula 𝑥=
2𝑎

Page 15 of 34
 −(−68)±√(−68)2 −4(12)(70)
We substitute our values, 𝑥 =
2(12)

68±√4,624−3,360)
= 24

68±√(1264)
= 24
68 ± 35.55
= 24
68 −35.55 32.45
𝑥 1= = = 1.35
24 24
68+35.55 103.55
𝑥 2= = = 4.31
24 24
𝑑𝑦
.: From the equation =0
𝑑𝑥

𝑥 = 1.35meters or x = 4.31m

Page 16 of 34
These 2 values of 𝑥 can now be substituted into the equation 𝑉 = 12𝑥2 – 68𝑥 + 70
to get the corresponding volume
Substitute 𝑥 1 = 1.35 into 𝑉
4(1.35)3 – 34(1.35)2 + 70(1.35) = 42.38 m3
Substitute 𝑥 2 = 4.31 into 𝑉
4(4.31)3 – 34(4.31)2 + 70(4.31) = -9.64 m3
Since volume cannot be a negative number then 𝑥 1 is 1.35 and the maximum vol-
ume is 42.38m3
.: volume 42.38m3 where 𝑥 = 1.35m
Again substituting these values into the diagram gives a picture of the dimensions
of the sheet that will be used

1.35
m

CROSS SECTION OF TANK 7 – 2(1.35) = 4.3m

0)

1.35

10 – 2(1.35) = 7.3m

These sides can now either be folded up to produce the rectangular tank or it be cut into dif-
ferent the different rectangles and welded together
Page 17 of 34
1.35m

4.3m

0)

7.3m

Page 18 of 34
Further analysis can be done to confirm that the volume obtained is indeed a maximum value
and not a minimum value.
To do this we use the second derivative of the function 𝑓 ′′. The 𝑥 values are substituted into
the second derivative. If positive, the point is a minimum point and if negative, the point is a
maximum
𝑓′′ = 24𝑥 – 68

When 𝑥=1.35 meters, 𝑓′′ = 24(1.35) - 68 = -35.6 (Negative, therefore the value of 𝑉 at this
value of 𝑥 is a maximum)

When 𝑥 = 4.31 meters, 𝑓′′ = 24(4.31) - 68 = 35.44 (positive, therefore the value of 𝑉 at this
point ( Minimum )

Page 19 of 34
The maximizing of the volume of a rectangular tank required four squares to be removed from
the corners of the sheet in order to produce the tank. Both methods, the graphical and the
other using calculus showed the same results with the side of the square being approximately
1.35 meters. This method however has a limitation in that a large portion of the sheet is wast-
ed and not used in the construction of the tank. If somehow this material can be utilized, a
greater volume would be obtained.

Also, both methods have a degree of estimation involved. The value of x was estimated from
the graph. If a graphing calculator was used, maybe a better approximation would have been
obtained. Also, there is a degree of estimation involved in the differentiation method and this
stems from how the derivative of a function is proved.

From a sheet of metal, there are many rectangular tanks that can be constructed each having
a different volume. However, the methodology shown proves that there is a specific size of
square to cut off at the ends of the sheet, that will generate a tank with the maximum
volume. In this case this value is 1.35 meters.

Page 20 of 34
 Cylindrical Tank

Original Sheet

Rectangular part for curved surface

Circular part for base

Page 21 of 34
ℎm

𝟐𝝅𝒓

7M

10 M

Page 22 of 34
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ

Surface area: 𝟐𝝅𝒓𝟐 + 2𝜋𝑟ℎ = 70

The Above Formula is Catering for 2 Circles but we only one for the base so 𝝅𝒓𝟐
will be used

Making ℎ the Subject Of formula

70 − 𝜋𝑟 2
ℎ=
2𝜋𝑟
Now we can equate both equations
70−𝜋𝑟 2
ℎ=
2𝜋𝑟

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 h

Substitute ℎ into 𝑉, we’ll get

70−𝜋𝑟 2
𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ( )
2𝜋𝑟

70𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋2 𝑟 4
Final Equation: 𝑉=
2𝜋𝑟

Assumption: We are assuming that there are no wastages

Page 23 of 34
Here’s our equation
70𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋2 𝑟 4
𝑉= 𝑚3
2𝜋𝑟

Ok now let me explain this formula

70𝜋𝑟 2 − 𝜋2 𝑟 4
The volume is which really is 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ
2𝜋𝑟

Because we use wanted only one variable (𝑟) in the formula so we’ve substitute
70−𝜋𝑟 2
the ℎ with
2𝜋𝑟

Why we did this is because there were two variables which is impossible to solve
with one equation. If we had two equations with values we could have solved it
simultaneously but it’s not the case.

This equation is for the whole cylinder with NO wastage.

Page 24 of 34
We Need To Use the Quotient Rule

𝒅𝒖 𝒅𝒗
𝒅𝒚 𝒖 𝒗 −𝒖
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
[ ]= 𝟐
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 𝒗

In our case here

We can differentiate from the Equation 𝑉

We’ll get
𝒗 = 𝟐𝝅𝒓
𝒅𝒗
= 𝟐(𝟏)𝝅𝟏 − 𝟏 = 𝟐𝝅
𝒅𝒙
𝒖 = 𝟕𝟎𝝅𝒓𝟐 − 𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟒
𝒅𝒖
= 𝟕𝟎(𝟐)𝝅𝒓(𝟐−𝟏) − (𝟒)𝝅𝟐 𝒓(𝟒−𝟏)
𝒅𝒙
We’ll Substitute our derivatives into our equation

We’ll get as follow

𝒅𝒚 𝒖 𝟐𝝅𝒓[𝟏𝟒𝟎𝝅𝒓− 𝟒𝝅𝟐 𝒓(𝟑) ]−[𝟕𝟎𝝅𝒓𝟐 −𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟒 ] 𝟐𝝅
[ ]=
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 (𝟐𝝅𝒓)𝟐

Page 25 of 34
𝒅𝒚 𝒖 [𝟐𝟖𝟎𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟐 − 𝟖𝝅𝟑 𝒓(𝟒) ]−𝟏𝟒𝟎𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟐 +𝟐𝝅𝟑 𝒓𝟒
[ ]=
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 (𝟐𝝅𝒓)𝟐

𝒅𝒚 𝒖 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟐 −𝟔𝝅𝟑 𝒓𝟒
[ ]=
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 (𝟐𝝅𝒓)𝟐

𝒅𝒚 𝒖 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝝅𝟐 𝒓𝟐 𝟔𝝅𝟑 𝒓𝟒
[ ]= −
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 (𝟐𝝅𝒓)𝟐 (𝟐𝝅𝒓)𝟐

𝒅𝒚 𝒖 𝟑𝝅𝒓𝟐
[ ] = 𝟑𝟓 −
𝒅𝒙 𝒗 𝟐

So from this new equation, we’ve differentiated. We can now get the Maximum
value (volume) of the cylindrical tank. Another way in saying this is that we can
𝒅𝒚
find the turning point of
𝒅𝒙

Page 26 of 34
 𝑑𝑦
At a turning point =0
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑉 𝟑𝝅𝒓𝟐
𝟑𝟓 − =0
𝑑𝑥 𝟐

𝑑𝑉
Since cannot be factorize, we can solve it be the coefficient
𝑑𝑥

3πr2
35 − =0
2

3πr2
35 =
2

3πr2
35(2) = (2)
2

70 = 3π𝑟 2
70
= 𝑟2
3𝜋

70
√ = r
3𝜋

𝑟 which is Radius of the circle is (when worked using a S. calculator)

𝑟 = ±2.7253 m

Since Measurements Cannot be a negative number, we can easily say that the ra-
dius is ≈2.73 metres.

To Find the height 𝑟 = 2.73

Page 27 of 34
 70−𝜋𝑟 2 70−𝜋(2.73)2
ℎ= ℎ=
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋(2.73)

We’ll Get the ℎ to be 2.72 m

Now we have 𝑟 and ℎ

We can now find the volume by substituting the values into the equation

𝑉 = 𝜋𝑟 2 ℎ 𝑉 = 𝜋(2.73)2 (2.72)

Our Answer will be: 63.69 𝑚3 Catered for NO CUT OUTS or WASTAGES

Page 28 of 34
7m

2𝑟 m

10 m

Key: Coloured Portions are wastages

Page 29 of 34
We Substitute 𝑟 into the Equation

Length: (7-2𝑟) m

Width: 10 m

Area of Rectangle: L × W

= (2𝑟) × 10

= (2(2.73)) × 10
= 5.46 × 10
= 54.6𝑚2

Area Of circle: 𝝅𝒓𝟐

= 𝜋(2.73)2
= 23.42𝑚2
Wastage: Area of rectangle – Area of circle
: 54.6𝑚2 - 23.42𝑚2

= 31.18 𝒎𝟐

Page 30 of 34
 They told us that they’ll like to use the cover to cover the gasoline tank.
With a Diameter of 4.3 meters
= 7m – 4.3m
= 2.7m

So we’ll give them the calculations and suggestions

10m

2.7 m (ℎ)

7m

Ø 4.3 m

Page 31 of 34
 ℎ

𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 𝜋𝑟 2 (ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)
𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 2 (𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠)
𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑟=
2
𝐷 2
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 𝜋( ) ℎ
2
Variables: 𝐷= 4.3 m
ℎ = 2.7 m
Plug In Values:
4.3 2
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 = 𝜋( ) (2.7) = 39.21 𝑚3
2

Page 32 of 34
Cylinder: Area of rectangle – Area of circle
= L × W - 𝜋𝑟 2
= 4.3(10) - 𝜋(2.15)2
= 43 – 14.52
= 28.48 𝑚2
Rectangle: (Area of square) × 4
= ( S×S ) × 4
= (1.35 × 1.35) × 4
= 7.29 𝑚2
𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
Percentage of wastagerectangle : × 100
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
7.29
= × 100
70

= 10.41%
𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
Percentage of wastagecylinder : × 100
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
28.48
= × 100
70

= 40.69%
Percentage of wastagecylinder - Percentage of wastagerectangle
: 40.69% - 10.41% = 30.28 %
Means that 30.28 % more waste were obtain in the cylinder than rectangle

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From the same sheet of metal that was use above to create the rectangular tank, a cylindrical
tank was constructed. However the methodology shown proves that there is a huge amount
of wastage, that will be generate when trying to build this kind of tank. In this case this value
is 31.18 m2 . The Comparison between the rectangular tank and cylindrical tank is that there
is a bigger wastage in the cylindrical tank because of the cut off top. So it would be more con-
siderable to construct a rectangular tank than a cylindrical tank. It will save money and materi-
al wastage.

This Project can be used to create many other storage tanks etc.
It can be used in the beverage factory to create huge tanks for storage of alcohol etc.
It can even be used in the school feeding program to create boxes to hold the lunches.
And also it can be used to make huge silos in the Industrial Manufacture.
™Copyright by Surenjanath Singh ©

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