Finding surface area with volume

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To find the minimum surface area of a pop can with a volume of 350ml, the relevant equations involve the volume and surface area formulas. The volume equation is V = πr²h, leading to h = 350/πr². The surface area (SA) is given by SA = 2πr² + 2πrh, which simplifies to SA = 2πr² + 700/r. To minimize the surface area, the derivative of the SA function with respect to r must be calculated and set to zero. The discussion emphasizes that density is not relevant to this problem, focusing solely on the mathematical relationship between volume and surface area.
ahmedb
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Ok, so I did a test today for advance functions and there was a question: the volume of a pop can is 350ml, find the minimum surface area and determine the dimensions.
Where I got stuck:

350=pi(r)^2*h
h=350/pi(r)^2

SA= 2pi(r)^2+2pi(r)(h)
SA= 2pi(r)^2+2pi(r)(350/pi(r)^2)

=(2(pi(r)^3+350))/(pi(r))

I'm stuck here :S
 
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How do I [STRIKE]shot web[/STRIKE] er, minimize function? Doesn't it have to do with the derivative having a certain value?
 
Hey ahmedb and welcome to the forums.

One thing you should be aware of is that volume is cubic metres (or centimetres or inches or some other unit of length) so you need to convert the liquid quantity to volume by looking at the density.

As Muphrid pointed out above, you want to look into finding a minimum which has a direct correspondence to the derivative being zero.
 
This problem has nothing to do with density. You simply need to find the minimum value for the surface area function you came up with. To do this, you find the derivative of your SA function with respect to r, and set it to 0.
 
Nessdude14 said:
This problem has nothing to do with density. You simply need to find the minimum value for the surface area function you came up with. To do this, you find the derivative of your SA function with respect to r, and set it to 0.

If you want things in the right units, this is a critical step.
 
ahmedb,
Homework problems should be posted in the Homework & Coursework section, not in the math technical section.

I am moving your post.
 
chiro said:
Hey ahmedb and welcome to the forums.

One thing you should be aware of is that volume is cubic metres (or centimetres or inches or some other unit of length) so you need to convert the liquid quantity to volume by looking at the density.

As Muphrid pointed out above, you want to look into finding a minimum which has a direct correspondence to the derivative being zero.

Nessdude14 said:
This problem has nothing to do with density. You simply need to find the minimum value for the surface area function you came up with. To do this, you find the derivative of your SA function with respect to r, and set it to 0.

chiro said:
If you want things in the right units, this is a critical step.
No, it isn't. Liquid quantity is volume. Nothing in this problem has anything to do with density, weight, or mass.
 
Yeah you're right: I was under the impression that it was in another unit. My apologies.
 
Happens to me all the time!
 

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