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Solving Optimization Problems

The document discusses solving optimization problems by finding the dimensions that can minimize or maximize an objective function subject to constraints. It provides steps to solve optimization problems which include drawing a picture, writing objective and constraint equations, reducing the objective function, finding derivatives and critical points, and optimizing the objective function. An example problem and solution is given to maximize the area of a fenced field bordering a river with a set amount of fencing.

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Hlulani Annoitte
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30 views

Solving Optimization Problems

The document discusses solving optimization problems by finding the dimensions that can minimize or maximize an objective function subject to constraints. It provides steps to solve optimization problems which include drawing a picture, writing objective and constraint equations, reducing the objective function, finding derivatives and critical points, and optimizing the objective function. An example problem and solution is given to maximize the area of a fenced field bordering a river with a set amount of fencing.

Uploaded by

Hlulani Annoitte
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solving Optimization Problems

What is the objective of solving optimization problems? For example,


• To find the dimensions that can minimize or maximize an object – its area or perimeter
• To maximize profit or minimize costs if you are dealing with business.
Steps
• Draw a picture of the problem where necessary. They often involve geometry. Assign variables
to the quantities under your control.
• Find the objective function – the function should show the quantity you want to minimize or
maximize. Write down the formula for it in terms of the variables in your picture. This is the
equation you want to minimize or find its derivative and set it equal to zero.
• Identify the constraints equation. If your objective function has more than one variable, you will
need to use one or more constraints in the problem to write equations that relate the variables
together. Normally this equation has a constant value.
• Reduce the objective function to one variable. Solve each of the constraint equations for one of
the variables and substitute this into the objective function. At the end, the objective function
should contain just one variable. Write down the domain of this function.
• Optimize the objective. This involves:
o Finding the derivative of the objective function,
o Identify critical point – where the derivative is zero, then
o Find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function.
Example

A farmer has 2400m of fencing and wants to fence off a rectangular field that borders a straight river. He
needs no fence along the river. What are the dimensions of the field that has the largest area?

1. Draw a picture of the problem where necessary. They often involve geometry. Assign variables to
the quantities under your control.

River

x A x

2. Find the objective function. We want to maximize the area A of the rectangle. Using the assigned
variable from the picture, we can express A in terms of 𝑥𝑥 and 𝑦𝑦:

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥

3. Identify the constraints equation. Use the given information to relate the quantities or variables
assigned in the picture and the constant value. Thus
2𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 = 2400
4. Reduce the objective function to one variable. Solve the constraint equation in to one variable and
substitute it in to the objective function. We eliminate 𝑦𝑦 by expressing it in terms of 𝑥𝑥.
From the constraint equation we have
𝑦𝑦 = 2400 − 2𝑥𝑥
Substituting it in the object function, we have
𝐴𝐴 = 𝑥𝑥(2400 − 2𝑥𝑥 ) = 2400𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 2
So, the function we wish to maximize is
𝐴𝐴 = 2400𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 2 0 ≤ 𝑥𝑥 ≤ 1200
5. Optimize the objective function.
a. Finding the derivative of the objective function,
𝐴𝐴′ = 2400 − 4𝑥𝑥
b. Identify critical point – where the derivative is zero, then we solve the equation
2400 − 4𝑥𝑥 = 0
4𝑥𝑥 2400
=
4 4
𝑥𝑥 = 600
c. Find the maximum or minimum value of the objective function. The maximum value of A must
occur either at the critical 𝑥𝑥 = 600 or at an endpoint of the interval. Remember the function we
wish to maximize. 𝐴𝐴 = 2400𝑥𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑥 2 , 𝐴𝐴(0) = 0, 𝐴𝐴(600) = 2400(600) −
2(600)2 = 720000, 𝐴𝐴(1200) = 2400(1200) − 2(1200)2 = 0
The closed interval gives the maximum value as 720000.
Therefore, the dimensions of the filed are: width = 600m and length = 1200m

For more explanations and examples go to page 439 of your prescribed textbook.

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