AA514 Handout2 Optimization Problem Solving Techniques

AHL 5.
14: Optimization
Handout #2: Optimization problem-solving techniques

Getting started
1. There are many real-life situations where we want to find an optimum quantity given
some restrictions. Can you think of some?
Optimization in calculus is the process of applying derivatives to determine minimum or

maximum values in a given situation. We use the same tools that we used to find the minimum
and maximum values of a function. Most of the thinking work is in finding a suitable function to
model the quantity we want to optimize.
2. Minimizing packaging is one factor that beverage producers consider. Suppose a

company wants to produce cylindrical aluminum cans with a volume of 340 mL. The
company is interested in the dimensions of the cylinder that would minimize packaging
(surface area) for this volume.
a. In most optimization problems, you need a basic model for the quantity to be
optimized. In this case, we are optimizing ________________________.
Write down a basic formula for this quantity.
b. Now we notice a problem: we can’t attempt to find a minimum surface area yet,
because our model depends on more than one variable. So, we need to find a
relationship, known as a constraint, between the different variables. In this
case, our constraint is that the total volume must equal ___________.
Write a basic formula for this quantity, using the required volume.
c. Next we will combine the volume constraint and the basic model to create an
equation with one independent variable.
Page 1 of 7
i. In this case, it’s easiest to solve the volume equation for h :
ii. And hence substitute into the surface area model to show that
2 680
SA=2 π r + .
r
Aha! Now we have a model with one independent variable. Now we can use calculus
to find the minimum surface area.
d. Find SA ' .
e. Hence show that the minimum surface area occurs when r =
Justify that this radius produces a minimum.

√
3 170
π
.
f. Verify the radius you found using a GDC. Efficient GDC use is
important for paper 2 and 3
questions! Examiners
g. Hence find the minimum surface area and dimensions of the expect you to move quickly
container (use GDC to 3 s.f.). through question parts that
can be done with a GDC.
Page 2 of 7
Whew! As you can see, there’s many parts to an optimization question.
In the following exercises, we’re going to look at some of those parts one at a time.
3. Consider the following problem:
A manufacturer wants to design an open box having a square base and a surface
area of 108 cm². What dimensions will produce a box with maximum volume?
a. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.
b. Identify constraint(s) that will allow you to express the model in terms of one
independent variable.
c. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.
d. Hence, describe, but do not perform, the process for finding the maximum
volume with and without technology.
Page 3 of 7
Consider the curve y=4−x 2, y >0 . Find the rectangle with the largest possible
area that can be inscribed under the curve, such that two vertices are on the
curve and two vertices are on the x axis.
a. Sketch a diagram of this situation.
b. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.
c. Identify constraint(s) that will allow you to express the model in terms of one
d. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.
Page 4 of 7
A power station needs to install power cables across a straight river to a point 6
km down the river. The river is 2 km wide. It costs 12000 EUR per km to install
cables in the river and 6000 EUR per km to install cables on land. How should the
cables be installed to minimize cost?
a. Sketch a diagram of the situation.
b. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.
c. Identify constraint(s) that will allow you to express the model in terms of one
d. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.
Putting it all together

The next exercise is a typical exam-style question. Look carefully to find the development of the
model, identify constraints, and finally use calculus to find extrema.
Page 5 of 7
6. Points A, B, and C are on a circle with center O and radius r . A trapezoid OABC is formed
^ has measure θ , π
such that AO is parallel to BC. The angle A OC ≤θ< π .
2
^ B=π −θ .
a. Show that A O
b. Show that the area S of the trapezoid can be expressed as

1 2 1 2
S= r sin θ− r sin 2 θ
2 2 All questions
involving calculus
should use radian
measure. If needed,
convert to degrees
only in your final
answer.
Page 6 of 7
c. Show that when S is at a maximum, θ satisfies cos θ=2 cos 2 θ.
d. Hence determine the maximum area S when r =1.
Page 7 of 7

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AHL 5.

Handout #2: Optimization problem-solving techniques

Optimization in calculus is the process of applying derivatives to determine minimum or

2. Minimizing packaging is one factor that beverage producers consider. Suppose a

e. Hence show that the minimum surface area occurs when r =

Justify that this radius produces a minimum.

3. Consider the following problem:

a. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.

c. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.

a. Sketch a diagram of this situation.

b. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.

d. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.

a. Sketch a diagram of the situation.

b. Identify the quantity to be optimized and a suitable model.

d. Hence express the model in terms of one independent variable.

Putting it all together

b. Show that the area S of the trapezoid can be expressed as

d. Hence determine the maximum area S when r =1.

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