Maximizing the volume of a cone formed by revolving a right triangle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing the volume of a cone formed by revolving a right triangle around one of its legs. Participants explore the mathematical relationships and constraints involved in the optimization process, including the objective function and the application of the Pythagorean theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the volume of the cone can be expressed as \( V = \frac{1}{3}\pi R^2 H \), where \( R \) is the radius and \( H \) is the height.
  • Others clarify that the relationship between the radius, height, and slant height (hypotenuse) of the triangle is given by the Pythagorean theorem: \( R^2 + H^2 = L^2 \).
  • A participant suggests that the objective function to optimize is the volume of the cone, which leads to the equation \( V(H) = \frac{1}{3}\pi (HL^2 - H^3) \).
  • Another participant derives the critical point for maximizing volume, resulting in \( H = \frac{L}{\sqrt{3}} \), and calculates the maximum volume as \( V_{\max} = \frac{2\sqrt{3}}{27}\pi L^3 \).
  • There are repeated requests for participants to show their work and clarify their assumptions throughout the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical relationships involved, such as the use of the Pythagorean theorem and the formulation of the volume equation. However, there is no consensus on the final steps or the interpretation of the results, as some participants are still working through the derivations and constraints.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical expressions and derivations that are not fully resolved, and assumptions regarding the relationships between the variables are still being clarified. The dependence on the definitions of radius, height, and slant height is also noted.

leprofece
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A triangle hypotenuse given rectangle is rotated around one of their legs to generate a right circular cone?
find the cone of greater volume.
resp V= (2Sqrt(3)pi L^3)/27

It says hypotenuse given but it has no value According to the answer you can name it L
 
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Re: max and min 3

Hello leprofece,

We require that you show your work, as I have stated once before. Our desire is to help you solve the problem, rather than work it for you. This way you learn more, by being an active participant in the process of solving the problem.

To being the problem, can you state the objective function, that is, the function you wish to optimize, along with the constraint on the variables?

The objective function will be the volume of a right circular cone, and the constraint will be the relationship between the radius and height of the cone with its slant height, which you have labeled as $L$.
 
Re: max and min 3

MarkFL said:
Hello leprofece,

We require that you show your work, as I have stated once before. Our desire is to help you solve the problem, rather than work it for you. This way you learn more, by being an active participant in the process of solving the problem.

To being the problem, can you state the objective function, that is, the function you wish to optimize, along with the constraint on the variables?

The objective function will be the volume of a right circular cone, and the constraint will be the relationship between the radius and height of the cone with its slant height, which you have labeled as $L$.

R+ H =L

is that right??'

- - - Updated - - -

leprofece said:
R2+ H2 =L2

is that right??'
R+ H =L
 
Re: max and min 3

Yes, the two legs of the right triangle are the radius and height of the resulting cone, and they are indeed related to the slant height (the hypotenuse of the right triangle) by the Pythagorean theorem:

$$R^2+H^2=L^2$$

So this is the constraint...what is the objective function, i.e., the volume of the cone?
 
Re: max and min 3

markfl said:
yes, the two legs of the right triangle are the radius and height of the resulting cone, and they are indeed related to the slant height (the hypotenuse of the right triangle) by the pythagorean theorem:

[math]r^2+h^2=l^2[/math]

so this is the constraint...what is the objective function, i.e., the volume of the cone?

r2= l2-h2
 
Re: max and min 3

leprofece said:
r2= l2-h2

the V pi(L2-h2[/QUOTE]*H/3and derive with respect to L
L2h-h2[/QUOTE]
hL2-h^3/3
derivating I got 2hL-3h^2/3
and This is equal to L =3h2/(2h)
That is right isnot it?
 
Re: max and min 3

Your objective function is the volume of the cone:

$$V=\frac{1}{3}\pi R^2H$$

Using:

$$R^2=L^2-H^2$$

This becomes:

$$V(H)=\frac{1}{3}\pi \left(L^2-H^2 \right)H=\frac{1}{3}\pi\left(HL^2-H^3 \right)$$

Differentiating with respect to $H$ and equating the result to zero, we obtain:

$$V'(H)=\frac{1}{3}\pi\left(L^2-3H^2 \right)=0$$

Recall $L$ is a constant.

This implies:

$$L^2-3H^2=0\implies H=\frac{L}{\sqrt{3}}$$

We observe that the second derivative of the volume function is negative at this critical value which means we have a maximum. And so we may conclude:

$$V_{\max}=V\left(\frac{L}{\sqrt{3}} \right)=\frac{1}{3}\pi\left(\left(\frac{L}{\sqrt{3}} \right)L^2-\left(\frac{L}{\sqrt{3}} \right)^3 \right)=\frac{1}{3}\pi \frac{L^3}{\sqrt{3}}\left(1-\frac{1}{3} \right)=\frac{2\sqrt{3}}{27}\pi L^3$$
 

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