# {Calculus 1} Optimization Problem

## Homework Statement

A wire is divided into two parts. One part is shaped into a square, and the other part is shaped into a circle. Let r be the ratio of the circumference of the circle to the perimeter of the square when the sum of the areas of the square and circle is minimized. Find r.

## Homework Equations

Derivative and area of circle and square

## The Attempt at a Solution

So I figure I have a wire y since I don't know the length cut it into two pieces x for the square and y-x for the circle. Area of the square is (x/4)^2 While y-x=2pir, r=y-x/2pi So area of circle is (y-x/2pi)^2

Now I want to minimize the total area by taking the derivative and setting it equal to zero. My problem is the y and this doesn't seem right. Any help is appreciated I still struggle with these word problems

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Dr. Courtney
Gold Member
What is the objective function?

What is the constraint function?

Define those first.

What is the objective function?

What is the constraint function?

Define those first.
I messed up the area of the circle

so I want to minimize

area of square + area of circle = x^2/16 + (y-x)^2/pi

Which would be my constraint

Objective function

In order to get x and y for r = circumference of circle / perimeter of square = (y - x) / x

Do I have all the information I need now my problem is if I take the derivative of that and set it equal to zero I have two variables

Last edited:
Ray Vickson
Homework Helper
Dearly Missed
I messed up the area of the circle

so I want to minimize

area of square + area of circle = x^2/16 + (y-x)^2/pi

Which would be my constraint

Objective function

In order to get x and y for r = circumference of circle / perimeter of square = (y - x) / x

Do I have all the information I need now my problem is if I take the derivative of that and set it equal to zero I have two variables
(1) You do not have two variables; a poor choice of notation has allowed you to mislead yourself. The wire is given, so its length is not variable. Of course, you do not happen to be told its exact length, but for purposes of optimization that is irrelevant: the length is an input parameter, not a variable. Or, to put in another way: if the length of the wire is also regarded as a variable, the best solution is to take length = 0, as that certainly minimizes the total of both areas.
(2) In optimization, the objective function is the thing you are trying to maximize or minimize, while constraints are restrictions on the variables.
(3) Your formula for the area of the circle is wrong.

youngstudent16
Yes thank you your first point was my biggest mistake I was making. Its funny how understanding the question correctly makes the process much easier.

I fixed the area equation took the derivative set it equal to zero and finally got the solution of pi/4 as the correct answer

Ray Vickson