A rectangular box with no top (pictured above) is to contain 2250 cubic inches of volume. Find the dimensions of the box that will minimize the surface area. The length (l) of the base is three times the width (w).

Respuesta :

Answer:

Height = 7.5 inches

Width = 10 inches

Length = 30 inches

Step-by-step explanation:

Volume of the shape (V) = length (l) * width (w) * height (h)

From the question, the length = 3w

So, V = 3w * w * h

V = 3w²h

h = V/3w²

h = 2250/3w²

Therefore h=V/(3w^2) where V is the volume.

Considering the fact that the top of the rectangular box is missing

The Surface Area (S) = (l*w) + 2(l*h) + 2(w*h) --------------------- (replace l with 3w and h with 2250/3w²)

S = 3w*w + 2(3w)(2250/3w²) + 2w(2250/3w²)

S = 3w² + 4500/w² + 1500/w

S = 3w² + 6000/w

We need to find the minimum of the above function (equation) by finding its first derivative with respect to A

Differentiating the above function, we have

0 = 6w - 6000/w²

6000/w² = 6w

6000 = 6w³ ------------ Divide through by 6

1000 = w³ ---------------- Find the cube root of both sides

10 = w

w = 10

Hence, width of the rectangular box is 10 inches

To solve height, we use

h = 2250/3w²

So, h = 2250/(3*10²)

h = 2250/300

h = 7.5 inches

To find the length, we use

l = 3w

So, l = 3 * 10

l = 30 inches