Constrained Minimization Problem(HELP )

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a constrained minimization problem involving the construction of a closed rectangular box with a specified volume of 162 cubic feet. The box's top and bottom are made of heavy-duty cardboard costing $0.36 per square foot, while the sides are made of lightweight cardboard costing $0.06 per square foot. The key challenge is to formulate a cost function based on the surface area and material costs. The solution involves multiplying the respective areas of the materials by their costs and summing them to create the total cost function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surface area calculations for rectangular prisms
  • Knowledge of volume equations for three-dimensional shapes
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives and optimization techniques
  • Basic principles of cost analysis in mathematical problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Formulate the cost function for the box using the given material costs
  • Apply partial derivatives to find critical points for cost minimization
  • Explore optimization techniques in constrained problems
  • Study real-world applications of constrained minimization in manufacturing
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Students in mathematics or engineering disciplines, particularly those studying optimization problems, as well as professionals involved in cost analysis and material selection in manufacturing processes.

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Homework Statement


A closed rectangular box is made with two kinds of materials. The top and bottom are made with heavy-duty cardboard costing $0.36 per square foot, and the sides are made with lightweight cardboard costing $0.06 per square foot. Given that the box is to have a capacity of 162 cubic feet, what should its dimensions be if the cost is to be minimized?


Homework Equations


Surface Area A=2xy+2xz+2yz
Volume= V=xyz=162

partial derivitations are required to do this(which i know how to do)


The Attempt at a Solution


The hard part that I am trying to figure out is creating the Cost equation. All I need to know is what that equation would be and I can take care of everything afterwards. Like mentioned before in (2), the surface area A=2xy+2xz+2yz, but I have no idea how I am going to create a cost function including the prices mentioned in the problem. PLEASE HELP. BLESS ANYONE WHO DOES. THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!
 
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MathNoob123 said:
… The top and bottom are made with heavy-duty cardboard costing $0.36 per square foot, and the sides are made with lightweight cardboard costing $0.06 per square foot.

I have no idea how I am going to create a cost function including the prices mentioned in the problem.

Hi MathNoob123! :wink:

Multiply the area of heavy-duty cardboard by the cost per area, and multiply the area of lightweigh cardboard by the cost per area, and add :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi MathNoob123! :wink:

Multiply the area of heavy-duty cardboard by the cost per area, and multiply the area of lightweigh cardboard by the cost per area, and add :smile:


I have already solved the problem, but thank you very much for replying. Really appreciate it.
 

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