MHB What Is the Minimum Surface Area for a Cuboid Box with a Square Base?

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The discussion focuses on determining the minimum surface area of a cuboid box with a square base and a volume of 2 liters, considering the differing production costs of its sides. The surface area is expressed as a function of the base side length, x, and height, h, leading to a cost function that incorporates the production costs for the top, bottom, and lateral sides. Calculations reveal that the minimum surface area occurs when the derivative of the cost function equals zero, leading to the conclusion that x equals the cube root of 4. The confusion arises around the application of the cost multiplier for the top and bottom surfaces compared to the lateral sides. Ultimately, the correct interpretation of the production costs is crucial for accurately determining the minimum surface area.
Monoxdifly
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The volume of a cuboid box with a square base is 2 litres. The production cost per unit of its top and its bottom is twice the production cost per unit of its lateral sides. Suppose the side length of its base is x and the height of the cuboid is h. The minimum production cost is reached when the surface area is ...
A. 4 square dm
B. 6 square dm
C. 8 square dm
D. 10 square dm
E. 12 square dm

What I've done:
$$x^2t=2→t=\frac{2}{x^2}$$
The production cost per unit of its top and its bottom is twice the production cost per unit of its lateral sides. I tried to put that into account regarding the surface area f(x), and thus:
$$f(x)=2x^2+4(2x)t=2x^2+8x(\frac{2}{x^2})=2x^2+\frac{16}{x}$$
To determine the value of x so that the surface area will be minimum:
f'(x) = 0
$$4x-\frac{16}{x^2}=0$$
$$4x=\frac{16}{x^2}$$
$$4x^3=16$$
$$x^3=4$$
$$x=\sqrt[3]{4}$$
Minimum surface area =$$2(\sqrt[3]{4})^2+\frac{16}{\sqrt[3]{4}}=2\sqrt[3]{16}+\frac{4^2}{4^{\frac13}}=2\sqrt[3]{16}+4^{\frac53}$$

I'm stuck. Pretty sure I misinterpreted the whole "The production cost per unit of its top and its bottom is twice the production cost per unit of its lateral sides." thing. What was I supposed to do?
 
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surface area, $A = 2x^2 + 4xh$

$h = \dfrac{2}{x^2} \implies A = 2x^2 + \dfrac{8}{x}$

cost of the top and bottom is twice that of the lateral sides ...

$C = k \left(4x^2 + \dfrac{8}{x} \right)$, where $k$ is a production cost constant

$C’ = k \left(8x - \dfrac{8}{x^2} \right) = 0 \implies x = 1$
 
Why is the 2 only multiplied by $$2x^2$$ and not with $$\frac8x$$?
 
Monoxdifly said:
Why is the 2 only multiplied by $$2x^2$$ and not with $$\frac8x$$?

top & bottom, surface area = $2x^2$, costs twice as much to produce than the lateral sides, surface area = $4xh = 4x \cdot \dfrac{2}{x^2} = \dfrac{8}{x}$
 
Ah. Right. That makes sense. Thank you.
 

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