Application of derivatives to geometry

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of derivatives in the context of maximizing the surface area of a cylinder inscribed in a sphere of radius R. The original poster seeks to prove that the height of the cylinder that maximizes the area is R√2, focusing on the differentiation process involved in deriving the area function.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differentiation of the area function M with respect to height H, questioning the correctness of their derivative calculations. There is discussion on the application of the product rule and chain rule in differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the differentiation process, suggesting corrections to the original poster's approach. There is an ongoing exploration of the derivative expressions and attempts to simplify them, with no explicit consensus reached on the final form of the derivative.

Contextual Notes

Participants express frustration over minor mistakes in their calculations, indicating a focus on precision in mathematical reasoning. The original poster's acknowledgment of time spent on the problem highlights the challenges faced in understanding the differentiation process.

Government$
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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:
 

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