Finding Max Volume of Cylinder with Fixed Total Area

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To find the maximum volume of a cylinder with a fixed total surface area A, the relationship between the radius R and length L must be established. The surface area is given by A = 2πR(L + R), allowing the volume equation V = πR²L to be expressed in terms of a single variable. By substituting L into the volume equation and taking the derivative, the critical points can be determined. The maximum volume occurs at R = √(A/(6π)), while the volume is zero when R = √(A/(2π)). Assuming a specific value for A can help in plotting the volume against the radius.
Reshma
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I am a little stuck on this problem :frown:

If the total surface area (including the area of the top and bottom ends) of a cylinder is to be kept fixed (=A), what is its maximum possible volume?

For such cylinders of fixed total area, plot Volume(V) v/s Radius(R) clearly indicating the values of R for which the volume is maximum and zero.

The total surface area will be A = 2\pi R(L + R) where L is the length of the cylinder. Here, A = constant and I have to determine the maximum possible volume. I don't know how to proceed, should I express the volume in terms of the area and do something?

Kindly guide me on this...
 
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Fixing the area, A, sets up a relationship between the radius R and length L. This then allows you to write down an equation for the volume that involves only one variable (either L or R). From here, it's just the matter of taking a derivative, etc.
 
Thank you so much, I will try it and post my solution soon. :smile:
 
Gokul43201 said:
Fixing the area, A, sets up a relationship between the radius R and length L. This then allows you to write down an equation for the volume that involves only one variable (either L or R). From here, it's just the matter of taking a derivative, etc.

Surface area A = constant.
A = 2\pi R (L + R)

L = {{A - 2\pi R^2}\over 2\pi R}

V = \pi R^2 L

Putting the value of L:
V = {AR\over 2} - \pi R^3

Solving for dV/dR = 0 for maximum:
R = \sqrt{{A\over 6\pi}}

V_{max} = {A\over 2}\sqrt{{A\over 6\pi}} - \pi \left({A \over 6\pi}\right)^{3/2}V = 0 for R = \sqrt{{A\over 2\pi}}

Should I assume some value for A when I plot V v/s R?
 
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