Math Problem Statement

The Low Knock Oil Company produces two grades of gasoline (regular and economy) by blending two types of crude oil (X100 and X220). Weekly demand for regular is at least 25,000 barrels, and economy is at least 32,000 barrels. Each blend must meet specific ingredient composition requirements.

Solution

The image presents a production scenario for Low Knock Oil Company, which manufactures two grades of gasoline—regular and economy—by blending two types of crude oil (X100 and X220). The relevant percentages of ingredients A and B and the cost per barrel for each type of crude oil are summarized in a table. Additionally, the image provides weekly demand data and constraints on the required composition of the gasoline.

Key Information:

  1. Crude Oil Types and Composition:

    • X100: 35% Ingredient A, 55% Ingredient B, Cost = $30.00 per barrel
    • X220: 60% Ingredient A, 25% Ingredient B, Cost = $34.80 per barrel
  2. Weekly Demand:

    • Regular gasoline: At least 25,000 barrels
    • Economy gasoline: At least 32,000 barrels
  3. Composition Requirements:

    • Regular gasoline: At least 45% of each barrel must be Ingredient A.
    • Economy gasoline: At most 50% of each barrel should be Ingredient B.
  4. Assumption: One barrel of crude oil yields one barrel of gasoline.

Would you like to proceed with formulating optimization equations, or do you have specific questions about how this problem should be approached?

Here are five questions you might find useful:

  1. How do we set up a linear programming model for this blending problem?
  2. What are the objective functions and constraints based on the given conditions?
  3. How can we solve for the minimum cost of production?
  4. How do the ingredient percentages and demand influence the choice between X100 and X220?
  5. What is the role of the weekly demand in forming the system of equations?

Tip: Defining variables for the barrels of each crude oil used is essential to setting up the system of equations for cost minimization.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Programming
Optimization
Systems of Equations

Formulas

Cost function = (Cost of X100 * barrels of X100) + (Cost of X220 * barrels of X220)
Ingredient A composition: 0.35 * barrels of X100 + 0.60 * barrels of X220
Ingredient B composition: 0.55 * barrels of X100 + 0.25 * barrels of X220

Theorems

Linear Optimization for Cost Minimization

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 and College level