Math Problem Statement

Find two numbers whose sum is 25 and whose product is a maximum.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step-by-step based on your image.


Part (a): Constructing the Table

We need to find two numbers whose sum is 25 and whose product is a maximum.
For the table, the second number will always be 25First number25 - \text{First number}, since their sum must always be 25.
The product will then be:

Product=(First number)×(25First number)\text{Product} = (\text{First number}) \times (25 - \text{First number})

Let's fill in the missing entries in the table.

First numberSecond numberProduct
1241×24=241 \times 24 = 24
2232×23=462 \times 23 = 46
3223×22=663 \times 22 = 66
4214×21=844 \times 21 = 84
5205×20=1005 \times 20 = 100
6196×19=1146 \times 19 = 114
7187×18=1267 \times 18 = 126
8178×17=1368 \times 17 = 136
9169×16=1449 \times 16 = 144
101510×15=15010 \times 15 = 150
111411×14=15411 \times 14 = 154
121312×13=15612 \times 13 = 156

From the table, the largest product seems to occur when the two numbers are 12 and 13, with a product of 156.


Part (b): Using Calculus to Maximize the Product

Let xx be the first number, so the second number is 25x25 - x. The product function P(x)P(x) is:

P(x)=x(25x)=25xx2P(x) = x(25 - x) = 25x - x^2

Now, we find the value of xx that maximizes the product by taking the derivative of P(x)P(x) and setting it equal to 0.

P(x)=252xP'(x) = 25 - 2x

Setting P(x)=0P'(x) = 0:

252x=02x=25x=12.525 - 2x = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad 2x = 25 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 12.5

So, the first number is 12.5, and the second number is:

2512.5=12.525 - 12.5 = 12.5

The maximum product is:

P(12.5)=12.5×12.5=156.25P(12.5) = 12.5 \times 12.5 = 156.25


Comparison with Part (a)

In part (a), the closest answer was 12 and 13, giving a product of 156. However, the actual maximum using calculus occurs when both numbers are 12.5, giving a product of 156.25.


Final Answers

  1. Estimated answer from part (a): 12, 13
  2. Answer from part (b) using calculus: 12.5, 12.5

Do you have any questions or want further details on this?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What is the role of the derivative in maximizing functions?
  2. Why does the product increase as the numbers become closer to each other?
  3. What happens if the sum constraint changes? For example, sum = 30.
  4. How would the problem change if the numbers must be integers?
  5. What does the second derivative tell us about the nature of the maximum?

Tip: Always use derivatives to find precise maxima or minima in optimization problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Optimization
Derivatives

Formulas

Product = (First number) * (Second number)
Second number = 25 - (First number)
P(x) = x(25 - x) = 25x - x^2
P'(x) = 25 - 2x

Theorems

First Derivative Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12