Optimization of box, varied material cost.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The optimization of a rectangular storage container with an open top, designed to hold a volume of 10m³, was analyzed. The dimensions were defined with the width as W, the length as 2W, and the height as H. The cost of materials was calculated with the base costing $10 per square meter and the sides costing $6 per square meter. The minimum cost was determined to be approximately $163.50 when the width is set at 1.65 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with volume and surface area calculations
  • Knowledge of cost function formulation
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study calculus optimization methods in depth
  • Explore volume and surface area relationships in geometry
  • Learn about cost function analysis in real-world applications
  • Practice solving optimization problems with constraints
USEFUL FOR

Students in calculus courses, engineers involved in cost estimation, and anyone interested in optimization problems related to geometric shapes.

QuarkCharmer
Messages
1,049
Reaction score
3

Homework Statement


Stewart Calculus 6E: 4.7 #14
A rectangular storage container with an open top is to have a volume of 10m³. The length of it's base is twice the width. Material for the base costs $10 per square meter. Material for the sides cost $6 per square meter. Find the cost of materials for the cheapest such container.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I let the width of the box be W, the length be 2W, and the height be H.

Since:
2W^{2}H=10
I let H=\frac{10}{2W^{2}}

Then I claim that the cost of the base is given by:
(2W^{2})10 = 20W^{2}

The cost of the sides are given by:
(2WH + 4WH)6

So the total cost for the box could be written as:
20W^{2} + (2WH + 4WH)6
Substituting in H=\frac{10}{2W^{2}}, I get cost as a function of width?
C(W) =(2W(\frac{10}{2W^{2}})+4W(\frac{10}{2W^{2}}))6 + 20W^{2}
C(W) = \frac{180+20W^{3}}{W}

So I can minimize that function, and I find that the minimum is when the width is 1.65, and the cost of the box is about $163.50. So $163.50 is the solution? Does anyone see a problem with this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nope, that's right. :)
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K