Optimisation of a cylindrical container

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on optimizing the design of a cylindrical container with a fixed volume of 400 mL to minimize construction costs. The costs are specified as $0.05 per cm² for the ends and $0.04 per cm² for the side walls. The area calculations involve the formulas for the ends (2πr²) and the side walls (2πrh), leading to a cost function that is differentiated to find the optimal radius. The correct derivative of the cost function is identified as dC/dr = 0.2πr - 64/r², which is crucial for determining the minimum cost design.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with geometric formulas for volume and surface area of cylinders
  • Knowledge of cost optimization techniques in mathematical modeling
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and solving for variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the second derivative test in optimization problems
  • Learn about Lagrange multipliers for constrained optimization scenarios
  • Explore cost minimization strategies in engineering design
  • Review geometric properties of cylinders and their implications in real-world applications
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This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in engineering, mathematics, and economics who are involved in cost optimization and design efficiency of cylindrical structures.

pavadrin
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Hey
I am given the set volume for a cylindrical container and separating pricing for the material used to construct the container, the base and the side wall. The ends of the container cost $0.05 per cm2 and the side walls $0.04 cm2, and the volume is 400 mL. The question asks: What is the best design for the container i.e., measurements to ensure that cost is at a minimum.

_________________________________

my working:
V = 400 mL
Ends costs $0.05 per cm2
Side wall costs $0.04 cm2
Area of ends = 2 \pi r^2
Area of side wall 2 \pi r h
V = 400, therefore since V = \pi r^2 h, h = \frac{400}{\pi r^2} (1)
Cost for one container = 0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r h) (2)
Therefore substituting (1) into (2), cost = 0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r \frac{400}{\pi r^2})
Differentiating the cost function gives: \frac {dC}{dr} = 0.2 \pi r + \frac {96}{r^2}
The value of r where there is no rate of change = -5.34601847

_________________________________

I am not sure if what I have done after and including the differentiation is correct. Since I have got a negative answer for the value of r, I am thinking that what I have done is wrong, as you cannot have a negative radius. Would the second derivative help with the sloving this equation, if so how?
Many thanks,
Pavadrin
 
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pavadrin said:
Hey
I am given the set volume for a cylindrical container and separating pricing for the material used to construct the container, the base and the side wall. The ends of the container cost $0.05 per cm2 and the side walls $0.04 cm2, and the volume is 400 mL. The question asks: What is the best design for the container i.e., measurements to ensure that cost is at a minimum.

_________________________________

my working:
V = 400 mL
Ends costs $0.05 per cm2
Side wall costs $0.04 cm2
Area of ends = 2 \pi r^2
Area of side wall 2 \pi r h
V = 400, therefore since V = \pi r^2 h, h = \frac{400}{\pi r^2} (1)
Cost for one container = 0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r h) (2)
Therefore substituting (1) into (2), cost = 0.05 (2 \pi r^2) + 0.04 (2 \pi r \frac{400}{\pi r^2})
Go ahead and write this out: cost= 0.1 \pi r^2+ \frac{32}{r}[/itex]<br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Differentiating the cost function gives: \frac {dC}{dr} = 0.2 \pi r + \frac {96}{r^2} </div> </div> </blockquote> Not quite. It gives \frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}.<br /> Notice the negative sign! The derivative of r<sup>-1</sup> is -r<sup>-2</sup>.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="" data-quote="" data-source="" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> The value of r where there is no rate of change = -5.34601847<br /> <br /> _________________________________<br /> <br /> I am not sure if what I have done after and including the differentiation is correct. Since I have got a negative answer for the value of r, I am thinking that what I have done is wrong, as you cannot have a negative radius. Would the second derivative help with the sloving this equation, if so how?<br /> Many thanks,<br /> Pavadrin </div> </div> </blockquote> <br /> You should have r^3= \frac{0.2 \pi}{32}.
 
oh i sort of get it now, well at least more than before, thanks
 
thanks for the reply, however I am not sure how u got the derivative of the cost being equal to \frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{64}{r^2}. I am not sure on how to achieve the value of 64 as i get a value of 32. My derrivitive: \frac{dC}{dr}= 0.2 \pi r- \frac{32}{r^2}. Could u please explain how this is achieved? help greatly appriciated
Pavadrin
 
Yes, I think that was a typo from Halls .
 
No, just stupidity!
 
okay, fair enough, we all make mistakes sooner or later
thanks anyhow
 

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