In: Math
A box with a square base and open top must have a volume of 32000 cm3. We wish to find the dimensions of the box that minimize the amount of material used.
Find the following:
1. First, find a formula for the surface area of the box in terms
of only x, the length of one side of the square base. [Hint: use
the volume formula to express the height of the box in terms of x.]
Simplify your formula as much as possible.
2. Next, find the derivative, A'(x).
3. Now, calculate when the derivative equals zero, that is, when A'(x)=0.
4. We next have to make sure that this value of x gives a minimum value for the surface area. Let's use the second derivative test. Find A"(x).
5. Evaluate A"(x) at the x-value you gave
above.