Math Problem Statement

The market research department of the Better Baby Buggy Co. predicts that the demand equation for its buggies is given by q = −3.5p + 1050 where q is the number of buggies the company can sell in a month if the price is $p per buggy. At what price (in dollars) should it sell the buggies to get the largest revenue? p = $ What is the largest monthly revenue (in dollars)?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the price pp that will maximize the monthly revenue. The revenue RR is calculated as:

R(p)=p×qR(p) = p \times q where qq is the number of buggies sold at price pp, and the demand equation is:

q=3.5p+1050q = -3.5p + 1050

Step 1: Express the revenue function

Substitute the expression for qq into the revenue equation:

R(p)=p×(3.5p+1050)R(p) = p \times (-3.5p + 1050)

This simplifies to:

R(p)=3.5p2+1050pR(p) = -3.5p^2 + 1050p

Step 2: Find the price that maximizes revenue

The revenue function R(p)R(p) is a quadratic equation, and since the coefficient of p2p^2 is negative, the parabola opens downwards. This means the maximum revenue occurs at the vertex of the parabola. The formula for the vertex of a quadratic function ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c is given by:

p=b2ap = -\frac{b}{2a}

For our equation R(p)=3.5p2+1050pR(p) = -3.5p^2 + 1050p, a=3.5a = -3.5 and b=1050b = 1050. Substituting these values:

p=10502(3.5)=10507=150p = -\frac{1050}{2(-3.5)} = \frac{1050}{7} = 150

So, the company should set the price at $150 to maximize revenue.

Step 3: Calculate the maximum revenue

Now substitute p=150p = 150 into the revenue function R(p)R(p):

R(150)=3.5(150)2+1050(150)R(150) = -3.5(150)^2 + 1050(150)

First, calculate 1502=22500150^2 = 22500:

R(150)=3.5(22500)+1050(150)R(150) = -3.5(22500) + 1050(150) R(150)=78750+157500=78750R(150) = -78750 + 157500 = 78750

So, the maximum monthly revenue is $78,750.

Final Answer:

  • Price: $150
  • Maximum monthly revenue: $78,750

Let me know if you need more details or have any questions!

Here are some related questions:

  1. How does changing the price affect the demand based on the equation?
  2. What happens to the revenue if the price is set lower than $150?
  3. What are the key components that define a quadratic revenue function?
  4. Can the company increase sales beyond 1050 buggies per month?
  5. What happens to the revenue when the price is very high, say $500?

Tip: In quadratic optimization problems, identifying the vertex of the parabola is crucial to finding the maximum or minimum value.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Quadratic Functions
Optimization

Formulas

Revenue function: R(p) = p × q
Demand equation: q = -3.5p + 1050
Quadratic formula for vertex: p = -b / (2a)

Theorems

Vertex formula for quadratic functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12