MHB Optimization calculus question (Difficult)

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The discussion focuses on optimizing the operating costs for a truck trip of 450 km, considering factors like fuel efficiency, gas prices, driver wages, and fixed costs. A formula for calculating the cost of operation, C(v), is presented, which factors in the speed of the truck and its impact on fuel consumption and trip duration. Participants analyze discrepancies in their calculations, particularly regarding the multiplication of fuel costs by total liters consumed. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying the variables in the cost function to achieve accurate results. Ultimately, the goal is to determine the optimal speed that minimizes overall expenses for the trip.
Wild ownz al
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A truck crossing the prairies at constant speed of 110km per hour gets 8km per litre of gas. Gas costs 0.68 dollars per litre.
The truck loses 0.10 km per litre in fuel efficiency for each km per hour increase in speed.
Drivers are paid 35 dollars per hour in wages benefits.
Fixed costs for running the truck are 15.50 dollars per hour.
If a trip of 450km is planned, what speed will minimize operating expenses?

This is the formula I made:

C = Cost of operation
v = increases of speed (1km/h)

C(v) = 0.68(450/(8 - v/10)) + (450/(110+v))(35+15.5)
 
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Wild ownz al said:
A truck crossing the prairies at constant speed of 110km per hour gets 8km per litre of gas. Gas costs \$0.68 per Litre.
The truck loses 0.10 km per litre in fuel efficiency for each km per hour increase in speed.
Drivers are paid \$35 per hour in wages benefits.
Fixed costs for running the truck are \$15.50 per hour.
If a trip of 450km is planned, what speed will minimize operating expenses?

This is the formula I made:

C = Cost of operation
v = increases of speed (1km/h)

C(v) = 0.68(450/(8 - v/10)) + (450/(110+v))(35+15.5)

speed = $(110+v) \text{ km/hr}$

distance = $450 \text{ km}$

trip time in hrs = $\dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}$

fuel burn rate in L/hr = $\dfrac{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}{(8-0.1v) \text{ km/L}}$cost = (driver cost rate + fixed cost rate)(hrs) + (fuel burn rate in L/hr)(hrs)(fuel cost in dollars/L)$C(v) = (35+15.5) \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}} + \dfrac{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}{(8-0.1v) \text{ km/L}} \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}} \cdot 0.68$
...
 
skeeter said:
speed = $(110+v) \text{ km/hr}$

distance = $450 \text{ km}$

trip time in hrs = $\dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}$

fuel burn rate in L/hr = $\dfrac{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}{(8-0.1v) \text{ km/L}}$cost = (driver cost rate + fixed cost rate)(hrs) + (fuel burn rate in L/hr)(hrs)(fuel cost in dollars/L)$C(v) = (35+15.5) \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}} + \dfrac{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}{(8-0.1v) \text{ km/L}} \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}} \cdot 0.68$
...

Our functions give different outputs of the same x value. Your's looks accurate but what exactly is wrong with my function? I don't see why I can't multiply the fuel cost by the total litre's (450/(8-v/10))
 
Wild ownz al said:
Our functions give different outputs of the same x value. Your's looks accurate but what exactly is wrong with my function? I don't see why I can't multiply the fuel cost by the total litre's (450/(8-v/10))

they're the same ... I just took an extra step

$C(v) = (35+15.5) \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}} + \dfrac{\cancel{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}}{(8-0.1v) \text{ km/L}} \cdot \dfrac{450 \text{ km}}{\cancel{(110+v) \text{ km/hr}}} \cdot 0.68$
 

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