Find the dimensions that will minimize the surface area of a Rectangle

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The discussion focuses on finding the dimensions of a rectangular box that minimize its surface area while maintaining a volume of 1000 cubic units. The calculations lead to the conclusion that the optimal dimensions are x = 10, y = 10, and z = 10, which results in a local minimum for the surface area function. The critical points and second derivative test confirm that these dimensions yield a local minimum. Additionally, symmetry in the dimensions suggests that equal sides are optimal, aligning with the derived values. The conversation emphasizes the mathematical proof supporting these findings, reinforcing the conclusion that the dimensions of the box should be equal for minimal surface area.
chwala
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Homework Statement
See attached.
Relevant Equations
##\nabla f=0##
My interest is on number 11.

1701595731419.png


In my approach;

##v= xyz##

##1000=xyz##

##z= \dfrac{1000}{xy}##

Surface area: ##f(x,y)= 2( xy+yz+xz)##

##f(x,y)= 2\left( xy+\dfrac{1000}{x} + \dfrac{1000}{y}\right)##

##f_{x} = 2y -\dfrac{2000}{x^2} = 0##

##f_{y} = 2x -\dfrac{2000}{y^2} = 0##

On solving the simultaneous, i have

##2xy^2 - 2x^2y=0, 2xy(y-x)=0##

##(x_1, y_1) = (0,0)## is a critical point but ##x,y ≠ 0## leaving us with

##y-x=0, ⇒ y=x## thus,

##2x^3 - 2000=0##

##x_{2}=10, ⇒ y_{2} =10## and therefore ##z=\dfrac{1000}{100} =10##

thus the dimensions are ##(x,y,z) = (10,10,10)##.

also,

##D (10,10)= \left[\dfrac{4000}{x^3} ⋅ \dfrac{4000}{y^3} - 2^2 \right]= 16-4=12>0## and ##f_{xx} (10,10) = 4>0## implying that ##f## has a local minimum at ##(10,10).##

For avoidance of doubt, ##D = f_{xx} ⋅f_{yy} - (f_{yy})^2##

Your wise counsel is welcome or any insight. Cheers guys.
 
Last edited:
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xyz=1000
A=2(xy+yz+zx)=2000(\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y}+\frac{1}{z})
In symmetry we expect
\frac{1}{x}=\frac{1}{y}=\frac{1}{z}=\frac{1}{1000^{1/3}}=\frac{1}{10}
is the case we seek. A=600. 

[EDIT]
We can prove that
\sqrt[3]{abc} \leq \frac{a+b+c}{3}
 
Last edited:
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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