Optimization- oh how the brain hurts

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on optimizing the surface area of a solid formed by two hemispheres attached to a right circular cylinder, with a total volume of 12 cm³. The volume equations for the sphere and cylinder are established, leading to the equation for height in terms of radius. The user seeks assistance in deriving the surface area function and minimizing it. Key formulas include the volume of a sphere, V = (4/3)πr³, and the volume of a cylinder, V = πr²h.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with geometric volume formulas, particularly for spheres and cylinders
  • Knowledge of surface area calculations for three-dimensional shapes
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and solving for variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the surface area of a sphere, A = 4πr²
  • Study the formula for the curved surface area of a cylinder, A = 2πrh
  • Explore optimization techniques in calculus, focusing on finding minima and maxima
  • Investigate methods for solving systems of equations involving multiple variables
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, mathematicians interested in optimization problems, and educators teaching geometric properties and optimization techniques.

griffon
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Q: A solid if formed by adjoining two hemispheres to the ends of a right circular cylinder. The total volume of the solid is 12 cm^3. Find the radius of the cylinder that produces the minimum surface area.

OK, I got about halfway through my problem before I got lost.
V of shpere= 4/3(pi)r^3
V of cylinder= (pi)r^2(h)
total V= 2(4/3*pi*r^30) + (pi*r^2*h)

12=pi*r^2(2*4/3*r+h) which turns into 12/pi*r^2=8/3*r+h
so h=(12/pi*r^2) - (8/3*r)

Now I'm lost.
 
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And what is the surface area as a function of r and h?
 
The problem was to minimize the surface area. You have done nothing with the surface area. What is the surface area of a sphere of radius r? What is the area of the curved surface of a cylinder or radius r and length h?
 

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