How to Maximize the Volume of a Cone Inside a Sphere?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 3K views
Willowz
Messages
197
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


Find the volume of the largest right circular cone that can be inscribed in a sphere of radius 3.

Homework Equations


V=π*r^2*h/3
A=πr^2 + πrl

The Attempt at a Solution


I did multiple things that I'm not sure are correct. I took the derivative for the volume with the value of h set to (9-x^2)^(1/2). The derivative I got was;
3π/2 * (9-x^2)^(-1/2) * (-2x)

Not really sure what to do. Think I need a hint on the steps that need to be taken. Picture of problem attached.
 

Attachments

  • problem.jpg
    problem.jpg
    17.1 KB · Views: 502
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
In your diagram, I would replace "y" with "h - 3". Next, find x in terms of h. Then substitute into the volume of a right circular cone
[itex]V = \frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h[/itex]
(with r = x here) and you'll have a function with one variable, h. Now find dV/dh and go on from there.
 
Willowz said:

Homework Statement


Find the volume of the largest right circular cone that can be inscribed in a sphere of radius 3.


Homework Equations


V=π*r^2*h/3
A=πr^2 + πrl

The Attempt at a Solution


I did multiple things that I'm not sure are correct. I took the derivative for the volume with the value of h set to (9-x^2)^(1/2). The derivative I got was;
3π/2 * (9-x^2)^(-1/2) * (-2x)

Not really sure what to do. Think I need a hint on the steps that need to be taken. Picture of problem attached.

Write out your expression for V in terms of x. I got a different derivative dV/dx than yours.

RGV