Application of derivatives to geometry

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The discussion centers on proving that the height of the largest area cylinder inscribed in a sphere of radius R is R√2. The user struggles with the derivative calculation needed to reach this conclusion, specifically in applying the product rule and chain rule correctly. They initially derive an incorrect expression for the derivative, leading to confusion about how to arrive at the correct height. Another participant points out the need for proper differentiation techniques, clarifying the errors made in the user's calculations. Ultimately, the user acknowledges their mistakes and expresses gratitude for the guidance provided.
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Homework Statement


Of all cylinders inscribed in sphere of radius R largest area of side(M) has cylinder which height is R\sqrt{2}. Prove.

The Attempt at a Solution


I understand how to prove this i only have problem with derivative:

M=2*r*Pi*H and r=\frac{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}{2}

M=Pi*H*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}

M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H}{2*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}

Then
M^{'}=Pi*\frac{8R^2 -2H^2 + H}{2\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}} so how can i from this get that R*\sqrt{2} = H

My textbook says that M^{'}=Pi*\frac{4R^2 -2H^2}{\sqrt{(4R)^2 - H^2}} therefore R*\sqrt{2} = H
 
Last edited:
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Government$ said:

Homework Statement


Of all cylinders inscribed in sphere of radius R largest area of side(M) has cylinder which height is R\sqrt{2}. Prove.

The Attempt at a Solution


I understand how to prove this i only have problem with derivative:

M=2*r*Pi*H and r=\frac{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}{2}

M=Pi*H*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}

M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H}{2*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}

Then
M^{'}=Pi*\frac{8R^2 -2H^2 + H}{2\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}} so how can i from this get that R*\sqrt{2} = H

My textbook says that M^{'}=Pi*\frac{4R^2 -2H^2}{\sqrt{(4R)^2 - H^2}} therefore R*\sqrt{2} = H

Your differentiation is wrong. You need to use the chain rule when you find the derivative of the second factor in your product rule.
 
Last edited:
So M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H}{2*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}*(8R -2H)

M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}

M^{'}=Pi*((\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

M^{'}=Pi*((\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

M^{'}=Pi*(\frac{(4R^2 + 4RH - 2H^2)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

This time 4RH is making me a problem i feel like there is a better way to factor out this expression
 
Government$ said:
So M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H}{2*\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}*(8R -2H)

M^{'}=Pi*(\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{Pi*H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}}

M^{'}=Pi*((\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

M^{'}=Pi*((\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}) + \frac{H*(4R - H)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

M^{'}=Pi*(\frac{(4R^2 + 4RH - 2H^2)}{\sqrt{(2R)^2 - H^2}})

This time 4RH is making me a problem i feel like there is a better way to factor out this expression

The derivative of (2R)^2-H^2 is just -2H. R is a constant!
 
:cry::cry: I can't believe it. I spent almost 2 hours on this silly problem because of silly mistakes. Thank you.:smile:
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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