Math Problem Statement

If 2300 square centimeters of material is available to make a box with a square base and an open top, find the largest possible volume of the box.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to maximize the volume of the box given the constraints on surface area.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Define Variables:

    • Let xx be the length of each side of the square base (in cm).
    • Let yy be the height of the box (in cm).
  2. Volume of the Box:

    • The volume VV of the box can be written as: V=x2yV = x^2 \cdot y
  3. Surface Area Constraint:

    • The box has a square base and an open top.
    • The total surface area includes the area of the base (x2x^2) and the four sides of the box (4xy4 \cdot x \cdot y).
    • Given that the total surface area is 2300 cm², we have: x2+4xy=2300x^2 + 4 \cdot x \cdot y = 2300
  4. Express yy in Terms of xx:

    • Rearrange the surface area equation to solve for yy: 4xy=2300x24 \cdot x \cdot y = 2300 - x^2 y=2300x24xy = \frac{2300 - x^2}{4x}
  5. Substitute yy in the Volume Equation:

    • Substitute yy from the previous step into the volume equation: V=x22300x24xV = x^2 \cdot \frac{2300 - x^2}{4x} Simplify to: V=2300xx34V = \frac{2300x - x^3}{4}
  6. Differentiate VV with Respect to xx and Set to Zero:

    • To maximize the volume, take the derivative of VV with respect to xx and set it equal to zero: dVdx=23003x24=0\frac{dV}{dx} = \frac{2300 - 3x^2}{4} = 0
    • Solve for xx: 2300=3x22300 = 3x^2 x2=23003x^2 = \frac{2300}{3} x=2300327.75cmx = \sqrt{\frac{2300}{3}} \approx 27.75 \, \text{cm}
  7. Calculate yy Using xx:

    • Substitute x27.75x \approx 27.75 back into the equation for yy: y=2300(27.75)24×27.7513.88cmy = \frac{2300 - (27.75)^2}{4 \times 27.75} \approx 13.88 \, \text{cm}
  8. Calculate the Maximum Volume:

    • Now, substitute x27.75x \approx 27.75 and y13.88y \approx 13.88 into the volume formula: V=27.75213.8810690.2cubic centimetersV = 27.75^2 \cdot 13.88 \approx 10690.2 \, \text{cubic centimeters}

Answer

The largest possible volume of the box is approximately: 10690.2cm3\boxed{10690.2 \, \text{cm}^3}

Would you like a breakdown of each step or further clarification?

Related Questions

  1. How do you find the critical points of a function to maximize or minimize values?
  2. How can you set up constraints in optimization problems with different shapes?
  3. What are the practical applications of maximizing volume in real-world design?
  4. How does calculus help in solving real-world problems with constraints?
  5. What other methods, besides differentiation, can help solve optimization problems?

Tip

For optimization problems, always ensure the constraint equation is correctly set up and simplify it before differentiating.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Optimization
Geometry
Calculus

Formulas

Volume of box: V = x^2 * y
Surface area constraint: x^2 + 4 * x * y = 2300
y in terms of x: y = (2300 - x^2) / (4x)
Volume equation in terms of x: V = (2300x - x^3) / 4

Theorems

Differentiation to find maximum volume

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or early college calculus