Problem #3:

We want to construct a box with a square base and we only have 10 m2 of material to use in construction
of the box. Assuming that all the material is used in the construction process determine the maximum
volume that the box can have.

I. Illustration

II. Objectives
a. We need to maximize the volume that the box can have.
b. The equations needed are:
M ax imize :V =lwh
Constraint :10=2lw +2 wh+2lh=2 w 2+ 4 wh

III. Solution
Solve Constraint for h:

10−2 w 2 5−w2 5−w 2

h=
4w
=
2w
=> V(w) =w 2
2w ( )
1
= (5 w−w3 )
2
Get the first and the second derivatives of the volume function:
1
V ' (w) = (5 w−w3 )
2

V ' ' (w) = −3

Obtain the critical point by equating to zero

5
w=
√ 3
w = 1.2910
 Get the volume

V (1.2910) = 2.1517m 3

IV. Find the Dimensions

5−1.2910 ²
l = w = 1.2910 h= = 1.2910
2(1.2910)
V. Statement
The length, height, and width are all equal to 1.2910. Therefore, the box is a perfect cube.