Volume of a Box + Finding all solutions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the volume of a box and solving a trigonometric equation. The original poster presents a cubic function derived from the box's volume and seeks clarification on its domain and graphing. Additionally, they inquire about finding all solutions to a cosine equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the volume of a box and questions how to determine its domain. They also express confusion about graphing the cubic function, noting that their graphing calculator displays a line instead. In a separate inquiry, they present a trigonometric equation and question whether their solutions are correct.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the original poster's function and questioning the assumptions behind the domain of the volume equation. Some suggest that the domain is determined by ensuring all dimensions are positive. There is also discussion regarding the graphing of the cubic function, with suggestions about potential issues with the graphing calculator settings. In the trigonometric equation segment, there is acknowledgment of the need for a broader interpretation of solutions, although no consensus is reached on the completeness of the original poster's solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of a full problem description and diagram, which complicates the verification of the original poster's work. There is also mention of specific constraints regarding the expected range for the trigonometric solutions.

whitehorsey
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1. See Attachment



2. None



3. a. I found the volume of the box which is like this
x(24-2x)(24-2x)
= x(576-96x+4x2)
= 4x3 - 96x2 + 576x
= 4(x3 -24x2 +144x)
but how do I find the domain?
b. and c.How do I use my graphing calculator to graph this because when I graph I only get a line?



1. Find all solutions of the equation.
2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex] = 0




2. None



3. 2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex] = 0
= 2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]
= cos 2[tex]\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]/2
= 2[tex]\Theta[/tex] 30, 330, 390, 690
= [tex]\Theta[/tex] = 15, 165, 195, 345 degrees
Did I do this right?

Thank You!
 

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Knowing if your initial function properly represents the description from your exercise's wording is difficult or impossible. Best is give the full description of the problem, and the diagram if this was included. (I refer, "to I found the volume of the box which is like this
x(24-2x)(24-2x). )
 
whitehorsey said:
1. See Attachment
2. None
3. a. I found the volume of the box which is like this
x(24-2x)(24-2x)
= x(576-96x+4x2)
= 4x3 - 96x2 + 576x
= 4(x3 -24x2 +144x)
but how do I find the domain?

Since you didn't provide us with the full description of the problem, it's almost impossible to check your work. So, assume that there's no error in your work. The domain in this case, is the set of x, where all sides' length are positive, i.e, to find the domain, you have to solve the following set of inequalities:

[tex]\left\{ \begin{array}{c} x > 0 \\ 24 - 2x > 0 \end{array} \right.[/tex]

b. and c.How do I use my graphing calculator to graph this because when I graph I only get a line?

Umm, I'm not sure what you mean, how can you actually get a line, if you are graphing a cubic function?

1. Find all solutions of the equation.
2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex] = 0

2. None
3. 2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex] = 0
= 2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]
= cos 2[tex]\Theta[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]/2
= 2[tex]\Theta[/tex] 30, 330, 390, 690
= [tex]\Theta[/tex] = 15, 165, 195, 345 degrees
Did I do this right?

Thank You!

Well, this is not "all possible solutions". Does it mention anywhere in your book that:

[tex]\cos \theta = \alpha \Leftrightarrow \theta = \pm \arccos (\alpha) + 2k\pi , \quad \mbox{where } k \in \mathbb{Z}[/tex]?

Or, if you are working with degrees, then:
[tex]\cos \theta = \alpha \Leftrightarrow \theta = \pm \arccos (\alpha) + k(360 ^ \circ) , \quad \mbox{where } k \in \mathbb{Z}[/tex]
 
whitehorsey said:
but how do I find the domain?
Follow VietDao29's advice to solve the inequalities.

whitehorsey said:
How do I use my graphing calculator to graph this because when I graph I only get a line?
Either you typed in [tex]x(24-2x)^2=0[/tex] which will give you a vertical line at x=0 and x=12, or, your graphing calculator's range and domain was too small to show the features such as the turning points of the cubic function [tex]y=x(24-2x)^2[/tex]
What I mean is, for the domain [tex]0<x<12[/tex] the maximum turning point is actually very large (over 1000). If your displayed range on the graph calculator is much smaller, then it will probably just look like a vertical line at x=0 (and x=12 if that domain is displayed too). Do you know what this turning point corresponds to physically?


whitehorsey said:
Find all solutions of the equation.
2cos2[tex]\Theta[/tex] - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex] = 0[/b]
...
= [tex]\Theta[/tex] = 15, 165, 195, 345 degrees
Did I do this right?
Yes this is correct! Assuming the question specifically stated for [tex]0^o\leq \theta \leq 360^o[/tex] or this is what is expected for your class.
 
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