Basic Calculus_Q3_W6

BASIC CALCULUS (Quarter III, Week 6)

SOLVING OPTIMIZATION PROBLEMS USING CALCULUS
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BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
At the end of the lesson, you shall be able to solve optimization problems.
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Mathematical Modeling
In this lesson, you will encounter situational problems that require you to optimize a quantity by
controlling one variable on which it depends. We will call such quantity objective.

A crucial step in the process of finding optimal solutions to a problem is mathematical modeling.
You should be able to set up an accurate function for the objective in terms of the variable you
choose to control.

For example, you have a rectangular piece of material whose dimensions are 36 𝑐𝑚 and 24 𝑐𝑚,
and you will use it to make an open-typed rectangular box by cutting out identical squares from the
four corners and then turning up the sides. To make the largest possible box, you may try to control
the length of the side of the squares. That is tantamount to controlling the height of the box to
maximize volume.

Setting up a function for the volume of the box requires you to utilize your knowledge on solids.
It also helps if you can sketch the given piece of material and the desired box.

We let 𝑥 be the length of the side of the squares. With the aid of the sketches below, we will
express the volume as a function of 𝑥.

By studying the sketches, we observe that

the length, the width, and the height of the box
are (36 − 2𝑥) 𝑐𝑚, (24 − 2𝑥) 𝑐𝑚, and 𝑥 𝑐𝑚,
respectively.
Using these and the fact that the volume of a
rectangular prism is the product of its
dimensions, we obtain
𝑉(𝑥) = (36 − 2𝑥)(24 − 2𝑥)(𝑥)
or
𝑉(𝑥) = 4𝑥 − 120𝑥 2 + 864𝑥.
3

The function above is our key to finding the height that will give the largest box. But before that,
we should first determine and consider the constraints. We also need to understand how
differentiation works in finding the value of 𝑥 which may give the highest possible value of 𝑉.

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Critical Points and Points where Extrema Occur

Definition

Let 𝑓 be a function that is continuous on an open interval 𝐼 containing 𝑥0 . We say that

• 𝑥0 is a critical point of 𝑓 if 𝑓 ′ (𝑥0 ) = 0 or 𝑓 ′ (𝑥0 ) does not exist (that is, 𝑓 has a corner or a
cusp at (𝑥0 , 𝑓(𝑥0 ))).
• the maximum of 𝑓 occurs at 𝑥0 if the value 𝑓(𝑥0 ) is the largest among all other functional
values on 𝐼, that is,
𝑓(𝑥0 ) ≥ 𝑓(𝑥) for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐼.
• the minimum of 𝑓 occurs at 𝑥0 if the value 𝑓(𝑥0 ) is the smallest among all other functional
values on 𝐼, that is,
𝑓(𝑥0 ) ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) for all 𝑥 ∈ 𝐼.
• the extremum of 𝑓 occurs at 𝑥0 if either the maximum or the minimum occurs at 𝑥0 .
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Let us use the definition above to find the critical points of some functions.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4

This function is continuous everywhere. To find the critical points, we need to equate its
derivative to zero, and then solve for 𝑥.

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (2)𝑥 2−1 − 3𝑥1−1 − 0 = 2𝑥 − 3

3
2𝑥 − 3 = 0 → 𝑥 =
2
3
Hence, 𝑥 = is a critical point.
2

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 6

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (3)2𝑥 3−1 − (2)3𝑥 2−1 − 12𝑥1−1 − 0 = 6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 12

6𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 12 = 0 → 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 2 = 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 → 𝑥 = −1, 2

Since the function is continuous on 𝑅, then both −1 and 2 are critical points.
1
3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2√𝑥 or 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2𝑥 2

This function is continuous over the interval [0 , +∞).

1
1 1 1 1 𝑥2 − 1
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑥1−1 − ( ) 2𝑥 2−1 = 1 − 𝑥 −2 = 1 − = 1
2 √𝑥 𝑥2
At 𝑥 = 1 𝑓′(𝑥), is zero; while at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓′(𝑥) is undefined. And since 0 and 1 are both
included in the interval [0 , +∞), both values are critical points.
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4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 10𝑥 4

This function is continuous over the interval [0 , +∞).

5 5 1 1 5 1 10 3 5𝑥 + 10
𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = ( ) 𝑥 4−1 + ( ) 10𝑥 4−1 = 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 −4 = 3
4 4 4 4
4𝑥 4
At 𝑥 = −2, 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) is zero; while at 𝑥 = 0, 𝑓′(𝑥) is undefined. However, the value −2 is not
included in the interval [0 , +∞). Hence, the only critical point is 0.

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Fermat’s Theorem and the Extreme Value Theorem (EVT)

Fermat’s Theorem

Let 𝑓 be continuous on an open interval 𝐼 containing 𝑥0 . If 𝑓 has an extremum at 𝑥0 , then 𝑥0 must

be a critical point of 𝑓.

Extreme Value Theorem

Let 𝑓 be a function which is continuous on a closed and bounded interval [𝑎 , 𝑏]. Then the extreme
values (maximum and minimum) of 𝑓 always exist, and they occur at the endpoints or at the critical
points of 𝑓.

Like the IVT, the EVT is an existence theorem. And, it also has
conditions. In cases where at least one condition is not satisfied,
the EVT cannot be invoked. For example, the function is not
continuous on the interval. Another is when the given interval is
not bounded.

Consider the parabola 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 . It is continuous on 𝑅.

Apparently, 𝑓 has a minimum since the parabola opens upwards.
However, its graph approaches +∞ as 𝑥 → ±∞, so the maximum
value of 𝑓 does not exist.
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Let us now apply the theorems to find the extrema of each function on the indicated interval.
Previously, we already found the critical points of each. So, we will only need to evaluate each at
those points and at the endpoints of the interval. The lowest functional value will be the minimum
of 𝑓, while the highest one will be its maximum. For added illustration, the graph of each function
within the interval is also shown.

1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4 on [−2 , 2]

𝑥 −2 3 2
2
𝑓(𝑥) 6 −6.25 −6
max min

2. 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 6 on [−2 , 2]

𝑥 −2 −1 2
𝑓(𝑥) −10 1 −26
max Min

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 2√𝑥 on [0 , 4]

𝑥 0 1 4 Item #1
𝑓(𝑥) 0 −1 0
max min max
5 1
4. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 10𝑥 4 on [0 , 1]

𝑥 0 1
𝑓(𝑥) 0 11 Item #3
min max Item #2 Item #4

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At this point, we will find the critical points of our function for the box problem. We will also
consider the constraint that the length of the side of the squares should be longer than 0 𝑐𝑚 but
shorter than 12 𝑐𝑚, because if 𝑥 is not within this range, the box will become imaginary. Hence, we
will define 𝑉(𝑥) to be continuous over [0 , 12].

Note also that at 𝑥 = 0 or 𝑥 = 12, the volume of our box is 0 since one of its dimensions will be
zero. We will include these values to make our interval closed and bounded so that we can apply
EVT. By the way, such box whose volume is zero called a degenerate box.

Solution:

𝑓 ′ (𝑥) = (3)4𝑥 3−1 − (2)120𝑥 2−1 + 864𝑥1−1 = 12𝑥 2 − 240𝑥 + 864

12𝑥 2 − 240𝑥 + 864 = 0 → 𝑥 2 − 20𝑥 + 72 = 0

Finding the roots of the quadratic equation, we obtain (10 − 2√7) ≈ 4.7 and (10 + 2√7) ≈ 15.3.
But since 15.3 is not included in our interval, the only critical point here is 4.7.
Finally, to find its extrema, we will evaluate 𝑉 at 0, 4.7, and 12.

𝑥 0 4.7 12
𝑉(𝑥) 0 1, 825.30 0
min Max min

Hence, the minimum volume of the box is 0 𝑐𝑚3 while its maximum volume is approximately
1, 825.30 𝑐𝑚3 . To construct the largest possible box, the length of the side of the squares to be cut
out should be 4.7 𝑐𝑚.
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Solving Optimization Problems

Here are some important things to remember when solving optimization problems:

1. Identify the objective and what is asked. You may make a mental note of them or write
them on your paper. There are cases where a problem requires the point which gives the
maximum or minimum functional value. Sometimes, learners carelessly give the extreme
functional value instead of the required point.

2. Sketch. This helps in identifying the relationship among the variables involved. It also
helps in determining the constraints and the interval to be used.

3. The most critical and the most difficult part of the process is formulating the function.
Sometimes, in one problem, there are multiple variables on which the objective depends.
These variables are related in one way or another. Their relationships can be expressed
using equations. You can use said equations to express one variable in terms of the other.

4. When evaluating the function at the critical points and at the endpoints of the interval,
always organize your entries using a table.

5. After completing the table, go back to what is asked in the problem. Always write your
answer in complete sentence. Don’t forget to indicate the units.

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Some Solved Problems

1. Find two positive numbers whose sum is 30 if the product of the first number and the square
of the second number is to be a maximum.
• The objective is the product of the first number and the square of the second
number. Let it be 𝑃. We are required to find the numbers that will maximize 𝑃.
• Let 𝑥 be the second number. Let it be our control variable.
• The first number is (30 − 𝑥).
• Our model is 𝑃(𝑥) = (30 − 𝑥)𝑥 2 = 30𝑥 2 − 𝑥 3 . Let it be continuous over [0 , 30].
• Find the critical points.
𝑃′ (𝑥) = (2)30𝑥 2−1 − (3)𝑥 3−1 = 60𝑥 − 3𝑥 2
60𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 = 0 → 𝑥 = 0 , 20
• Evaluate 𝑃 at 0, 20, and 30.
𝑥 0 20 30
𝑃(𝑥) 0 4, 000 0
min max Min

• To maximize 𝑃 the value of the second number should be 20 while the value of the
first number should be (30 − 20) = 10.
2. The gulayan area of Mangaldan National High School is to be fenced using a material that is
120 feet long. Find the dimensions of the gulayan if the area is a maximum.

• The objective is the area of the gulayan. Let it be 𝐴. We are required to find the
dimensions that give the biggest area.
• Let 𝑥 be the width of the gulayan. Let it be our control variable.
• Here is our initial picture of the garden.

𝑥 𝑥

• With the aid of the illustration, we represent the length of the gulayan as 120 − 2𝑥.
• Our model is 𝐴(𝑥) = 𝑥(120 − 2𝑥) = 120𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 . Let it be continuous over [0 , 60].
• Find the critical points.
𝐴′ (𝑥) = 120𝑥1−1 − (2)2𝑥 2−1 = 120 − 4𝑥
120 − 4𝑥 = 0 → 𝑥 = 30
• Evaluate 𝐴 at 0, 30, and 60.
𝑥 0 30 60
𝐴(𝑥) 0 1800 0
min max Min

• The width that gives the biggest area is 30 𝑓𝑡. The length is 120 − 2(30) = 60 𝑓𝑡.

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3. Find point 𝑃(𝑥 , 𝑦) on the line 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4 that is closest to 𝑄(0 , 1).

• The objective is the distance between 𝑃 and 𝑄. Let
such distance be 𝐷. We are required to find the
coordinates of 𝑃 so that 𝐷 is shortest.
• Let 𝑥 be the 𝑥-coordinate of 𝑃. Let it be our control
variable.
• Our initial location of 𝑃 is shown on the
illustration.
• Using the distance formula, we get
𝐷(𝑥) = √[(3𝑥 − 4) − 1]2 + [𝑥 − 0]2

= √10𝑥 2 − 30𝑥 + 25.

• Finding the critical points of the function above would require the application of
the Chain Rule, which we are yet to study in week 7. Meanwhile, applying the
alternative definition of derivative would be too rigorous. To simplify, we will
operate using the idea that 𝐷 is optimal if the radicand 10𝑥 2 − 30𝑥 + 25 is optimal.
𝐷𝑥 (10𝑥 2 − 30𝑥 + 25) = (2)10𝑥 2−1 − 30𝑥1−1 + 0 = 20𝑥 − 30
3
20𝑥 − 30 = 0 → 𝑥 =
2
3 3 1 3 1
• At 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑦 = 3 (2) − 4 = 2 . Hence, at 𝑃 (2 , 2), the distance from 𝑃 to 𝑄 is either
the shortest or the longest. We eliminate the latter by selecting a point to the left
of 𝑃 and another to its right. By computing the distance of each from 𝑃, we conclude
3 1
that 𝑃 (2 , 2) is indeed the point on 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 4 that is closest to 𝑄(0 , 1).

4. Find the dimensions of a rectangle with area 64 𝑐𝑚2 whose perimeter is a minimum.
• The objective is the perimeter of the rectangle. Let it be 𝑃. We are required to find
the dimensions that will minimize 𝑃.
• Let 𝑥 be one of the dimensions. Let it be our control variable.
64
• The other dimension is 𝑥 .
• Here is the initial sketch of the rectangle.

𝑥 𝑐𝑚

64
𝑐𝑚
𝑥

128
• Our model is 𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + . Let it be continuous over [0 , +∞).
𝑥
• Find the critical points.
𝑥𝐷𝑥 128 − 128𝐷𝑥 𝑥 128
𝑃′ (𝑥) = 2𝑥1−1 + 2
=2− 2
𝑥 𝑥
128
2− 2 =0→𝑥 =8
𝑥
• For the perimeter to be minimum, the rectangle should be 8 𝑐𝑚 by 8 𝑐𝑚.

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5. The volume of a right circular cylinder is 50 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑖𝑐 𝑐𝑚. Find the dimensions in 𝑐𝑚 that will
minimize the surface area of the cylinder.
• The objective is the surface area of the cylinder. Let it be 𝑆. We are required to find
the dimensions that give the smallest surface area.
• Let 𝑥 be the radius of the cylinder. Let it be our control variable. We may also
choose to let 𝑥 be the height. Either way, we should arrive at the same answer.
• The volume of the cylinder is given by 𝑉 = 𝜋𝑥 2 ℎ while its surface area is given by
𝑆 = 2𝜋𝑥 2 + 2𝜋𝑥ℎ. We can use these formulae and the given quantity to find an
equation relating 𝑥 and ℎ. Then, we will use such equation to express the surface
area as a function of 𝑥.
50
50 = 𝜋𝑥 2 ℎ → ℎ = 2
𝜋𝑥
50 100
𝑆 = 2𝜋𝑥 2 + 2𝜋𝑥 ( 2 ) = 2𝜋𝑥 2 +
𝜋𝑥 𝑥
• Find the critical points.
𝑥𝐷𝑥 100 − 100𝐷𝑥 𝑥 100
𝑆 ′ (𝑥) = (2)2𝜋𝑥 2−1 + = 4𝜋𝑥 −
𝑥2 𝑥2
100 3 25
4𝜋𝑥 − = 0 → 𝑥 = √ ≈ 2 𝑐𝑚
𝑥2 𝜋
• At 𝑥 ≈ 2, the height of the cylinder is approximately 3.98 𝑐𝑚. These dimensions give
the smallest possible surface area.
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PRACTICE

Solve the following optimization problems.

1. The sum of two positive numbers is 15. What are they if their product is a maximum?
2. What is the minimum perimeter of a rectangle whose area is 81 square units?
3. An open box is to be made from a 24 𝑐𝑚 square cardboard by cutting equal squares out of the
corners and turning up the sides. Find the height that will give a maximum volume.
4. Find the dimensions of the largest right circular cylinder that can be inscribed in a right
circular cone with a height of 40 𝑐𝑚 and a radius of 16 𝑐𝑚.
5. Find an equation of the tangent line to the curve 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥, 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3 that has the
least slope.
6. Find the point on the line 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 5 that is closest to (−2 , 3).

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REFERENCES
1. Basic Calculus Learner’s Material and Teacher’s Guide for Senior High School, Commission on Higher Education in collaboration
with Philippine Normal University, 2016
2. Next Century Mathematics, Basic Calculus, Phoenix Publishing House, Inc. with Fernando B. Orines and Jesus P. Mercado, 2016
3. Handouts from Turo Guro 2019, Ateneo de Manila University Department of Mathematics & Ateneo SALT Institute, May 6 – 8
4. Presentation by ma’am Gervy Marie M. Angeles during the Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SINSM)
2019, University of the Philippines – Baguio, April 25 – 27

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