Math Problem Statement
Sheila knows that the minimum daily requirements for her dog's diet are 18 units of protein and 30 units of carbohydrates. Pet dog food costs $1.65 a can, contains 2 units of protein and 6 units of carbohydrates. Budget dog dood costs $1.35 a can, contains 2 units of protein and 2 units of carbohydrates. What combination of the two brands of dog food should sheila give her dog each day to ensure it has a proper diet at minimum cost?
Solution
This problem involves finding the optimal number of cans of each type of dog food to minimize Sheila's cost while satisfying the protein and carbohydrate requirements. We can use linear programming to solve this.
Let:
- = number of cans of Pet dog food.
- = number of cans of Budget dog food.
Objective Function:
Sheila wants to minimize the total cost. The cost is:
Constraints:
The dog's diet needs to meet the following daily minimum requirements:
-
Protein constraint: The dog needs at least 18 units of protein. Both foods provide 2 units of protein per can: Simplifying this:
-
Carbohydrate constraint: The dog needs at least 30 units of carbohydrates. Pet dog food provides 6 units per can, and Budget dog food provides 2 units per can:
-
Non-negativity constraint: Since the number of cans can't be negative:
Solving the System:
We will solve this using a combination of the constraints.
-
From the protein constraint: So, , for now.
-
Substitute into the carbohydrate constraint: Expanding: Simplifying:
-
If , then .
Conclusion:
Sheila should buy 3 cans of Pet dog food and 6 cans of Budget dog food each day to meet the nutritional requirements at the minimum cost.
- Cost:
The minimum cost is $13.05 per day.
Would you like a more detailed breakdown or to explore other scenarios?
Here are 5 questions you could explore next:
- How would the result change if the prices of the dog foods were different?
- What if the dog’s protein or carbohydrate requirements increased?
- Could you use another optimization method, like graphing the inequalities?
- How would you solve this problem if more types of dog food were available?
- How much more would it cost if Sheila only used Pet dog food?
Tip: When solving linear programming problems, always check if the constraints are feasible by trying different values within the constraints.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Linear Programming
Optimization
Algebra
Formulas
Cost = 1.65x1 + 1.35x2
Protein constraint: x1 + x2 ≥ 9
Carbohydrate constraint: 6x1 + 2x2 ≥ 30
Theorems
Linear Inequality Theorems
Optimization Principles
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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