Modelling Cubic Function: Applications

1. Jeannie wishes to construct a cylinder closed at both ends. The

figure below shows the graph of a cubic polynomial function used
to model the volume of the cylinder as a function of the radius if
the cylinder is constructed using 150𝜋 cm2 of material. Use the
graph to answer the questions below. Estimate values to the
nearest half unit on the horizontal axis and to the nearest 50 units
on the vertical axis.
(Surface Area of a closed cylinder = 2 𝜋r(r + h)

Guided steps:
Surface area = 150 𝜋
2 𝜋r(r + h) = 150 𝜋
Find an expression for h in terms of ‘r’

h = ______
Volume of cylinder V(r) = 𝜋r2h
a) Write the function V(r) = ar3 + br2 + cr + d.
Write the value of a, b, c and d.
Sketch the graph on graphing calculator.
b) What is the domain of the volume function? Explain.
c) What is the most volume that Jeannie’s cylinder can enclose
d) What radius yields the maximum volume?
 e) The volume of a cylinder is given by the formula 𝑉=𝜋𝑟2ℎ.
Calculate the height of the cylinder that maximizes the
volume

2. A square prism (Base is square of side x cm and height h cm) has

a total surface area 448 cm2.
(TSA of square = 2a2 + 4ah; Volume = a2h)

a) Find an expression for h in terms of x.

b) Write the function for Volume V(x)
c) Sketch the graph of V(x)
d) Find the domain for the function of volume of the square
prism.
e) For what value of side of the base, the prism has maximum
volume?
f) Find the height of the prism when it has its maximum volume.