Maximum Volume of a Box: How to Optimize Cardboard Usage for Chocolate Boxes

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves optimizing the volume of an open-topped box created from a rectangular piece of cardboard measuring 5 × 14 inches. The task is to determine the largest possible volume by cutting squares from the corners and folding the sides up.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the volume function V(x) derived from the dimensions of the box and the implications of its derivative. Questions arise regarding the validity of the critical points found and their relevance to the original volume function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the validity of the critical points obtained from the derivative and exploring the consequences of substituting these values back into the volume function. There is an emphasis on verifying the results rather than reaching a conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the requirement to round the final answer to the nearest tenth, which may affect the interpretation of the results. There is also a focus on ensuring that all critical points are valid within the context of the problem.

zeezey
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Homework Statement



Chocolate Box Company is going to make open-topped boxes out of 5 × 14-inch rectangles of cardboard by cutting squares out of the corners and folding up the sides. What is the largest volume box it can make this way? (Round your answer to the nearest tenth.)



Homework Equations


V = length * width * height


The Attempt at a Solution


V(x) = x(14-2x)(5-2x)
=70x-38x^2+4x^3

d/vx = 12x^2 - 76x + 70
12x^2 - 76x +70 = 0
= 1.11 and 5.21
 
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First off, you didn't round to the nearest tenth. :wink:

Second, are you sure that both answers are valid? What happens if you plug in those values for x in
V(x) = x(14-2x)(5-2x)?
 
What am I supposed to get if I plug those numbers into that equation? Those points are valid if I plug them into the derivative equation I found. Is my derivative wrong ?
 
Your answers are not wrong, but not all answers may be valid. So you tell us: find V(1.11) and V(5.21), and note their signs.
 

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