Differential Calculus

Time Rates | Applications
Tags:
time rates
velocity
acceleration
flow
discharge
angular speed
Time Rates
If a quantity x is a function of time t, the time rate of change of x is given by dx/dt.
When two or more quantities, all functions of t, are related by an equation, the relation between their
rates of change may be obtained by differentiating both sides of the equation with respect to t.
Basic Time Rates
Velocity, , where is the distance.
Acceleration, , where is velocity and is the distance.
Discharge, , where is the volume at any time.
Angular Speed, , where is the angle at any time.
Steps in Solving Time Rates Problem
1. Identify what are changing and what are fixed.

2. Assign variables to those that are changing and appropriate value (constant) to those that
are fixed.
3. Create an equation relating all the variables and constants in Step 2.
4. Differentiate the equation with respect to time.
Problem 01
Water is flowing into a vertical cylindrical tank at the rate of 24 ft3/min. If the radius of the tank is 4 ft,
how fast is the surface rising?
Solution 01
HideClick here to show or hide the solution
Volume of water:
answer
Problem 02
Water flows into a vertical cylindrical tank at 12 ft3/min, the surface rises 6 in/min. Find the radius of
the tank.
Solution 02
Volume of water:
answer
Time Rates | Applications
Problem 03
A rectangular trough is 10 ft long and 3 ft wide. Find how fast the surface rises, if water flows in at
the rate of 12 ft3/min.
Solution 03
Volume of water:
answer
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Problem 04
A triangular trough 10 ft long is 4 ft across the top, and 4 ft deep. If water flows in at the rate of 3
ft3/min, find how fast the surface is rising when the water is 6 in deep.
Solution 04
Volume of water:
By similar triangle:
when y = 6 in or 0.5 ft
answer
Problem 05
A triangular trough is 10 ft long, 6 ft wide across the top, and 3 ft deep. If water flows in at the rate of
12 ft3/min, find how fast the surface is rising when the water is 6 in deep.
Solution 05
Volume of water:
answer
03 Water flowing into rectan
Problem 06
A ladder 20 ft long leans against a vertical wall. If the top slides downward at the rate of 2 ft/sec, find
how fast the lower end is moving when it is 16 ft from the wall.
Solution 06
when x = 16 ft
answer
Problem 7
In Problem 6, find the rate of change of the slope of the ladder.
Solution 07
From the figure in Solution 6 above
where
x = 16 ft
y = 12 ft
dx/dt = 1.5 ft/sec
dy/dt = -2 ft/sec
answer
04-05 Water flowing into triangular troughup08-09 Rate of movement of shadow on the ground
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08-09 Rate of movement of shadow on the ground

Tags:
ratio and proportion
time rates
shadow
Problem 08
A man 6 ft tall walks away from a lamp post 16 ft high at the rate of 5 miles per hour. How fast does
the end of his shadow move?
Solution 08
answer
Problem 09
In Problem 08, how fast does the shadow lengthen?
Solution 09
answer
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Problem 10
A boy on a bike rides north 5 mi, then turns east (Fig. 47). If he rides 10
mi/hr, at what rate does his distance to the starting point S changing 2
hour after he left that point?
Solution 10
For 5 miles:
when t = 2 hrs
answer
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Problem 11
A train starting at noon, travels north at 40 miles per hour. Another train starting from the same point
at 2 PM travels east at 50 miles per hour. Find, to the nearest mile per hour, how fast the two trains
are separating at 3 PM.
Solution 11
at 3 PM, t = 3
answer
Problem 12
In Problem 11, how fast the trains are separating after along time?
Solution 12
After a long time, t =
answer
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Problem 13
A trapezoidal trough is 10 ft long, 4 ft wide at
the top, 2 ft wide at the bottom and 2 ft deep.
If water flows in at 10 ft3/min, find how fast the
surface is rising, when the water is 6 in deep.
Solution 13
Volume of water:
From the figure:
answer
Problem 14
For the trough in Problem 13, how fast the water surface is rising when the water is 1 foot deep.
Solution 14
From the Solution 13
When y = 1 ft
answer
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Problem 15
A light at eye level stands 20 ft from a house and 15 ft from the path leading from the house to the
street. A man walks along the path at 6 ft per sec. How fast does his shadow move along the wall
when he is 5 ft from the house?
Solution 15
From the figure:
when y = 5 ft
answer
Problem 16
In Problem 15, when the man is 5 ft from the house, find the time-rate of change of that portion of his
shadow which lies on the ground.
Solution 16
By Pythagorean Theorem:
From Solution 15, when y = 5 ft

dx/dt = 8 ft/sec and
x = 15(5)/(20 - 5) = 5 ft, then
s = (x2 + y2) = (52 + 52) = 52 ft
Thus,
answer
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Problem 17
A light is placed on the ground 30 ft from a building. A man 6 ft tall walks from the light toward the
building at the rate of 5 ft/sec. Find the rate at which the length of his shadow is changing when he is
15 ft from the building.
Solution 17
when x = 30 - 15 = 15 ft
answer
The negative sign in the answer indicates that the length of the shadow is shortening.
Problem 18
Solve Problem 17, if the light is 10 ft above the ground.
Solution 18
when x = 30 - 15 = 15 ft
answer
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Problem 19
One city A, is 30 mi north and 55 mi east of another city, B. At noon, a car starts west from A at 40
mi/hr, at 12:10 PM, another car starts east from B at 60 mi/hr. Find, in two ways, when the cars will
be nearest together.
Solution 19
1st Solution (Specific):

The figure to the right shows the position of the cars when they are nearest to each other.
Time: 12:39 PM answer
2nd Solution (General):

From the figure shown in the right:
where:
Thus,
when ds/dt = 0
Problem 20
For the condition of Problem 19, draw the appropriate figures for times before 12:39 PM and after
that time. Show that in terms of time after noon, the formula for distance between the two cars (one
formula associated with each figure) are equivalent.
Solution 20
For time before 12:39 PM, see the figure in the general solution of Solution 20.
For time after 12:39 PM, there are three conditions that worth noting. Each are thoroughly
illustrated below.
First condition: (after 12:39 PM but before 1:05 PM)

okay
Second condition: (after 1:05 PM but before 1:22:30 PM)

okay
Third condition: (after 1:22:30 PM)
okay
Problem 21
For Problem 19, compute the time-rate of change of the distance between the cars at (a) 12:15 PM;
(b) 12:30 PM; (c) 1:15 PM
Solution 21
From Solution 20,
at any time after noon.
From Solution 19,
(a) at 12:15 PM, t = 15/60 = 0.25 hr
answer
(b) at 12:30 PM, t = 30/60 = 0.5 hr
answer
(c) at 1:15 PM, t = 1 + 15/60 = 1.25 hr
answer
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Problem 22
One city C, is 30 miles north and 35 miles east from another city, D. At noon, a car starts north from
C at 40 miles per hour, at 12:10 PM, another car starts east from D at 60 miles per hour. Find when
the cars will be nearest together.
Solution 22
where:
Time = 12.2885 PM or 12:17:18 PM answer
Problem 23
For the condition of Problem 22, draw the appropriate figure for times before 12:45 PM and after that
time. Show that in terms of time after noon, the formulas for distance between the two cars (one
formula associated with each figure) are equivalent.
Solution 23
Before 12:45 PM
For time before 12:45 PM, see the figure in Solution
22.
After 12:45 PM
where:
Thus,
(okay!)
Problem 24
For Problem 22, compute the time-rate of change of the distance between the cars at (a) 12:15 PM,
(b) 12:45 PM.
Solution 24
Solution 23 above shows that the distance s at any time after noon is given by
See Solution 22
(a) at 12:15 PM, t = 15/60 = 0.25 hr
answer
(b) at 12:45 PM, t = 45/60 = 0.75 hr
answer
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Problem 25
One city E, is 20 miles north and 20 miles east of another city, F. At noon a car starts south from E
at 40 mi/hr, at 12:10 PM, another car starts east from F at 60 mi/hr. Find the rate at which the cars
approach each other between 12:10 PM and 12:30 PM. What happens at 12:30 PM?
Solution 25
Velocity of approach,
answer
At 12:30 PM
Distance traveled by car from E
= 40(30/60)
= 20 miles
Distance traveled by car from F

= 60 [(30 - 10)/60]
= 20 miles
The cars may/will collide at this time. answer

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Problem 26
A kite is 40 ft high with 50 ft cord out. If the kite moves horizontally at 5 miles per hour directly away
from the boy flying it, how fast is the cord being paid out?
Solution 26
when s = 50 ft
502 = x2 + 402
x = 30 ft
Thus,
answer
Problem 27
In Problem 26, find the rate at which the slope of the cord is decreasing.
Solution 27
Slope
From Solution 26, x = 30 ft when s = 50 ft
answer
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28-29 Time Rates: Two cars driving on roads that intersects

at 60 degree
Tags:
maxima and minima
time rates
car
roads
Problem 28
At noon a car drives from A (Fig. 48) toward C at 60 miles per hour. Another car
starting from B at the same time drives toward A at 30 miles per hour. If AB = 42
miles, find when the cars will be nearest each other.
Solution 28
By cosine law:
Time = 12:24 PM answer
Problem 29
Solve Problem 28 if the car from B leaves at noon but the car from A leaves at 12:07 PM.
Solution 29
By cosine law:

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Problem 30
Two railroad tracks intersect at right angles, at noon there is a train on each track approaching the
crossing at 40 mi/hr, one being 100 mi, the other 200 mi distant. Find (a) when they will be nearest
together, and (b) what will be their minimum distance apart.
Solution 30
Set ds/dt = 0
Minimum distance will occur at t = 3.75,
answer
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Problem 31
An elevated train on a track 30 ft above the ground crosses a street at the rate of 20 ft/sec at the
instant that a car, approaching at the rate of 30 ft/sec, is 40 ft up the street. Find how fast the train
and the car separating 1 second later.
Solution 31
From the isometric box:
where:
x2 = (20t)2 + (40 - 30t)2
x2 = 400t2 + 1600 - 2400t + 900t2
x2 = 1300t2 - 2400t + 1600
after 1 sec, t = 1
answer
Problem 32
In Problem 31, find when the train and the car are nearest together.
Solution 32
From Solution 31,
the train and the car are nearest together if ds/dt = 0
answer
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Problem 33
From a car traveling east at 40 miles per hour, an airplane traveling horizontally north at 100 miles
per hour is visible 1 mile east, 2 miles south, and 2 miles up. Find when this two will be nearest
together.
Solution 33
From the figure:
where:
x2 = (1 - 40t)2 + (2 - 100t)2
x2 = (1 - 80t + 1600t2) + (4 - 400t + 10000t2)
x2 = 5 - 480t + 11600t2
Thus,
answer
Problem 34
In Problem 33, find how fast the two will be separating after along time.
Solution 34
From the Solution 33,
after a long time,
answer
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Problem 35
An arc light hangs at the height of 30 ft above the
center of a street 60 ft wide. A man 6 ft tall walks
along the sidewalk at the rate of 4 ft/sec. How fast is
his shadow lengthening when he is 40 ft up the
street?
Solution 35
From the figure:

when 4t = 40; t = 10 sec
answer
Problem 36
In Problem 35, how fast is the tip of the shadow moving?
Solution 36
Triangle LAB,
Triangle ABC,
answer
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Problem 37
A ship sails east 20 miles and then turns N 30 W. If the ship's speed is 10 mi/hr, find how fast it will
be leaving the starting point 6 hr after the start.
Solution 37
By cosine law,
after 6 hrs from start, t = 6 - 2 = 4 hrs
answer
Problem 38
Solve Problem 37, if the ship turns N 30 E.
Solution 38
By cosine law,
after 6 hrs from start, t = 6 - 2 = 4 hrs
answer
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Maxima and Minima | Applications
Graph of the Function y = f(x)

The graph of a function y = f(x) may be plotted using Differential Calculus. Consider the graph shown
below.
As x increases, the curve rises if the slope is positive, as of arc AB; it falls if the slope is negative, as
of arc BC.
Relative Maximum and Minimum Points

At a point such as B, where the function is algebraically greater than that of any neighboring point,
the point is said to have a maximum value, and the point is called a maximum point (relative to
adjacent points). Similarly at D, the function has a minimum value (relative to adjacent points). At
maximum or minimum points, the tangent is horizontal or the slope is zero.
This does not necessarily mean that at these points the function is maximum or minimum. It does
only mean that the tangent is parallel to the x-axis, or the curve is either concave up or concave
down. The points at which dy/dx = 0 are called critical points, and the corresponding values of x
are critical values.
The second derivative of a function is the rate of change of the first derivative or the rate of change
of the slope. It follows that as x increases and y" is positive, y' is increasing and the tangent turns in
a counterclockwise direction and the curve is concave upward. When y" is negative, y' decreases
and the tangent turns in the clockwise direction and the curve is concave downward.
If y' = 0 and y" is negative (i.e. y" < 0), the point is a maximum point (concave downward).
If y' = 0 and y" is positive (i.e. y" > 0), the point is a minimum point (concave upward).
Points of Inflection
A point of inflection is a point at which the curve changes from concave upward to concave
downward or vice versa (see point E from the figure). At these points the tangent changes its
rotation from clockwise to counterclockwise or vice versa.
At points of inflection, the second derivative of y is zero (y" = 0).

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axima and minima
As an example, the area of a rectangular lot, expressed in terms of its length and width, may also be
expressed in terms of the cost of fencing. Thus the area can be expressed as A = f(x). The common
task here is to find the value of x that will give a maximum value of A. To find this value, we set
dA/dx = 0.
Steps in Solving Maxima and Minima Problems
1. Identify the constant, say cost of fencing.

2. Identify the variable to be maximized or minimized, say area A.
3. Express this variable in terms of the other relevant variable(s), say A = f(x, y).
4. If the function shall consist of more than one variable, expressed it in terms of one variable (if
possible and practical) using the conditions in the problem, say A = f(x).
5. Differentiate and equate to zero, dA/dx = 0.
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Problem 1
What number exceeds its square by the maximum amount?
Solution 1
Let
x = the number and
x2 = the square of the number
y = the difference between x and x2
answer
Problem 2
What positive number added to its reciprocal gives the minimum sum?
Solution 2
Let
x = the required positive number and
1/x = the reciprocal of the number
y = sum of x and 1/x
answer
Problem 3
The sum of two numbers is k. Find the minimum value of the sum of their squares.
Solution 3
Let
x and y = the numbers
z = sum of their squares
Problem 4
The sum of two numbers is k. Find the minimum value of the sum of their cubes.
Solution 4
Let
x and y = the numbers
z = sum of their cubes
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Problem 5
The sum of two positive numbers is 2. Find the smallest value possible for the sum of the cube of
one number and the square of the other.
Solution 5
Let x and y = the numbers

Equation (1)
Equation (2)
From Equation (1)
Use
answer
Problem 6
Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of one to the square of the other is to be a
minimum.
Solution 6
Let x and y = the numbers
The numbers are 1/3 a, and 2/3 a. answer

Problem 7
Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of one by the cube of the other is to be a maximum.
Solution 7
Let x and y the numbers
The numbers are 1/4 a and 3/4 a. answer
Problem 8
Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of the square of one by the cube of the other is to
be a maximum.
Solution 8
Let x and y the numbers

The numbers are 2/5 a and 3/5 a. answer
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Problem 9
What should be the shape of a rectangular field of a given area, if it is to be enclosed by the least
amount of fencing?
Solution 9
Area:
Perimeter:
(a square) answer
Problem 10
A rectangular field of given area is to be fenced off along the bank of a river. If no fence is needed
along the river, what is the shape of the rectangle requiring the least amount of fencing?
Solution 10
Area:
Perimeter:
width = length answer
Problem 11
A rectangular lot is to be fenced off along a highway. If the fence on the highway costs m dollars per
yard, on the other sides n dollars per yard, find the area of the largest lot that can be fenced off for k
dollars.
Solution 11
Total cost:
Area:
answer
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Problem 12
A rectangular field of fixed area is to be enclosed and divided into three lots by parallels to one of the
sides. What should be the relative dimensions of the field to make the amount of fencing minimum?
Solution 12
Area:
Fence:
width = length answer
Problem 13
Do Ex. 12 with the words "three lots" replaced by "five lots".
Solution 13
Area:
Fence:
answer
Problem 14
A rectangular lot is bounded at the back by a river. No fence is needed along the river and there is to
be 24-ft opening in front. If the fence along the front costs $1.50 per foot, along the sides $1 per foot,
find the dimensions of the largest lot which can be thus fenced in for $300.
Solution 14
Total cost:
Area:
Dimensions: 84 ft 112 ft answer
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15 - 17 Box open at the top in maxima and minima

Tags:
maxima and minima
box
Problem 15
A box is to be made of a piece of cardboard 9 inches square by cutting equal squares out of the
corners and turning up the sides. Find the volume of the largest box that can be made in this way.
Solution:
Using quadratic formula

Use x = 1.5 inches
Maximum volume:
answer
Problem 16
Find the volume of the largest box that can be made by cutting equal squares out of the corners of a
piece of cardboard of dimensions 15 inches by 24 inches, and then turning up the sides.
Solution:
answer
Problem 17
Find the depth of the largest box that can be made by cutting equal squares of side x out of the
corners of a piece of cardboard of dimensions 6a, 6b, (b a), and then turning up the sides. To
select that value of x which yields a maximum volume, show that
Solution:
and
If a = b:
From
(x is equal to of 6b - meaningless)
From
okay
Use answer
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18 - 20 Rectangular beam in maxima and minima problems

Tags:
wood
beam
stiffness
rectangular beam
maxima and minima
Problem 18
The strength of a rectangular beam is proportional to the breadth and the square of the depth. Find
the shape of the largest beam that can be cut from a log of given size.
Solution:
Diameter is given (log of given size), thus D is constant
Strength:
answer
Problem 19
The stiffness of a rectangular beam is proportional to the breadth and the cube of the depth. Find the
shape of the stiffest beam that can be cut from a log of given size.
Solution:
Diameter is given (log of given size), thus D is constant
Stiffness:
answer
Problem 20
Compare for strength and stiffness both edgewise and sidewise thrust, two beams of equal length, 2
inches by 8 inches and the other 4 inches by 6 inches (See Problem 18 and Problem 19 above).
Which shape is more often used for floor joist? Why?
Solution:
Strength, S = bd2
Stiffness, k = bd3
For 2" 8":

Oriented such that the breadth is 2"
S = 8(22) = 32 in3
k = 8(23) = 64 in4
S = 2(82) = 128 in3
k = 2(83) = 1024 in4
For 4" 6":

S = 6(42) = 96 in3
k = 6(43) = 384 in4
S = 4(62) = 144 in3
k = 4(63) = 864 in4
2" x 8" is stiffer than 4" x 6" and it is the commonly used size for floor joists. In fact, some local codes
required a minimum depth of 8".
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21 - 24 Solved problems in maxima and minima

Tags:
maxima and minima
right triangle
circumscribing circle
box
rectangle
square
Problem 21
Find the rectangle of maximum perimeter inscribed in a given circle.
Solution:
Diameter D is constant (circle is given)

Perimeter
The largest rectangle is a square. answer
See also the solution using trigonometric function.
Problem 22
If the hypotenuse of the right triangle is given, show that the area is maximum when the triangle is
isosceles.
Solution:
Area:
The triangle is an isosceles right triangle. answer
Problem 23
Find the most economical proportions for a covered box of fixed volume whose base is a rectangle
with one side three times as long as the other.
Solution:
Given Volume:
Total Area:
Altitude = 3/2 shorter side of base. answer
Problem 24
Solve Problem 23 if the box has an open top.
Solution:
Given Volume:
Area:
Altitude = 3/4 shorter side of base. answer
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Tags:
maxima and minima
box
cylinder
quart can
Problem 25
Find the most economical proportions of a quart can.
Solution:
Volume:
Total area (closed both ends):

Diameter = height answer
Problem 26
Find the most economical proportions for a cylindrical cup.
Solution:
Volume:
Area (open one end):
Radius = height answer
Problem 27
Find the most economical proportions for a box with an open top and a square base.
Solution:
Volume:
Area:
Aide of base = 2 altitude answer

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Problem 28
The perimeter of an isosceles triangle is P inches. Find the maximum area.
Solution:
Perimeter:
Area:
From the figure:
Thus,
multiply both sides of the equation by

Solving for y by quadratic formula: a = 2; b = -x; c = -x2
y = - x is absurd, thus use y = x
Therefore
answer
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Tags:
maxima and minima
box
cylinder
sphere
Problem 29
The sum of the length and girth of a container of square cross section is a inches. Find the maximum
volume.
Solution:
Volume
For 2x = 0; x = 0 (meaningless)
For a - 6x = 0; x = 1/6 a
Use x = 1/6 a
answer
Problem 30
Find the proportion of the circular cylinder of largest volume that can be inscribed in a given sphere.
Solution:
From the figure:
Volume of cylinder:
answer
Problem 31
In Problem 30 above, find the shape of the circular cylinder if its convex surface area is to be a
maximum.
Solution:
Convex surface area (shaded area):

From Solution to Problem 30 above, dh/dd = -d/h
answer
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32 - 34 Maxima and minima problems of a rectangle

inscribed in a triangle
Tags:
maxima and minima
right triangle
rectangle
Problem 32
Find the dimension of the largest rectangular building that can be placed on a right-triangular lot,
facing one of the perpendicular sides.
Solution:
Area:
From the figure:

Dimensions: a b answer
Problem 33
A lot has the form of a right triangle, with perpendicular sides 60 and 80 feet long. Find the length
and width of the largest rectangular building that can be erected, facing the hypotenuse of the
triangle.
Solution:
Area:
Thus,
Dimensions: 50 ft 24 ft answer
Problem 34
Solve Problem 34 above if the lengths of the perpendicular sides are a, b.
Solution:
Area:
Thus,
Dimensions:
answer
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Tags:
maxima and minima
norman window
print area
page
Problem 35
A page is to contain 24 sq. in. of print. The margins at top and bottom are 1.5 in., at the sides 1 in.
Find the most economical dimensions of the page.
Solution:
Print Area:
Page area:
Dimensions: 6 in 9 in answer
Problem 36
A Norman window consists of a rectangle surmounted by a semicircle. What shape gives the most
light for the given perimeter?
Solution:
Given perimeter:
Where:
Thus,
Light is most if area is maximum:
breadth = height answer
Problem 37
Solve Problem 36 above if the semicircle is stained glass admitting only half the normal amount of
light.
Solution:
From Solution of Problem 36
Half amount of light is equivalent to half of the area.

answer
maxima-and-minima#sthash.Jl5KdpqJ.dpuf
Problem 38
A cylindrical glass jar has a plastic top. If the plastic is half as expensive as glass, per unit area, find
the most economical proportion of the jar.
Solution:
Volume:
Let
m = price per unit area of glass
m = price per unit area of plastic
k = total material cost per jar
Height = 3/2 radius of base answer

Problem 39
A trapezoidal gutter is to be made from a strip of tin by bending up the
edges. If the cross-section has the form shown in Fig. 38, what width
across the top gives maximum carrying capacity?
Solution:
Capacity is maximum if area is maximum:
(take note that 'a' is constant)
For b + a = 0; b = -a (meaningless)
For b - 2a = 0; b = 2a (ok)
Use b = 2a answer
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41 - 42 Maxima and Minima Problems Involving Trapezoidal

Gutter
Tags:
maxima and minima
trapezoidal gutter
trapezoid
metal strip
Problem 41
In Problem 39, if the strip is L in. wide, and the width across the top is T in. (T < L), what base width
gives the maximum capacity?
Solution:
Area:
(note that L and T are constant)
Base = 1/3 length of strip answer
Problem 42
From a strip of tin 14 inches a trapezoidal gutter is to be made by bending up the sides at an angle
of 45. Find the width of the base for greatest carrying capacity.
Solution:
Area:
answer
problem-involving-a-trapezoidal-gutter#sthash.wYC7W38Y.dpuf

Tags:
wire
maxima and minima
boat
ship
pole
stake
light
Problem 43
A ship lies 6 miles from shore, and opposite a point 10 miles farther along the shore another ship lies
18 miles offshore. A boat from the first ship is to land a passenger and then proceed to the other
ship. What is the least distance the boat can travel?
Solution:
Total Distance:
For 2x - 5 = 0; x = 5/2
For x + 5 = 0; x = -5 (meaningless)
Use x = 5/2 = 2.5 mi
answer
Problem 44
Two posts, one 8 feet high and the other 12 feet high, stand 15 ft apart. They are to be supported by
wires attached to a single stake at ground level. The wires running to the tops of the posts. Where
should the stake be placed, to use the least amount of wire?
Solution:
Total length of wire:
For x + 30 = 0; x = -30 (meaningless)

For x - 6 = 0; x = 6 (ok)
use x = 6 ft
Location of stake is 6 ft from the shorter post. answer

Problem 45
A ray of light travels, as in Fig. 39, from A to B via the point P on the mirror CD. Prove that the length
(AP + PB) will be a minimum if and only if = .
Solution:
Total distance traveled by light:
By Quadratic Formula:
A = a2 - b2; B = -2a2c; C = a2c2
For
meaningless if a > b
For
okay
Use
when S is minimum:
tan = tan , thus, = (okay!)
maxima-and-minima#sthash.WFtbHokI.dpuf
46 - 47 Solved Problems in Maxima and Minima

Tags:
maxima and minima
equilateral hyperbola
hyperbola
cubic curve
Problem 46
Given point on the conjugate axis of an equilateral hyperbola, find the shortest distance to the curve.
Solution:
Standard equation:
For equilateral hyperbola, b = a.
Thus,
Distance d:
Nearest Distance:
answer
Problem 47
Find the point on the curve a2 y = x3 that is nearest the point (4a, 0).
Solution:
from
by trial and error:

The nearest point is (a, a). answer
maxima-and-minima#sthash.KSazoPtR.dpuf
48 - 49 Shortest distance from a point to a curve by maxima

and minima
Tags:
maxima and minima
point
curve
distance
Problem 48
Find the shortest distance from the point (5, 0) to the curve 2y2 = x3.
Solution:
from
For , (meaningless)
For , (okay)
Use .
answer
Another Solution:
Differentiate
slope of tangent at any point
Thus, the slope of normal at any point is
Equation of normal:
the same equation as above (okay)
Problem 49
Find the shortest distance from the point (0, 8a) to the curve ax2 = y3.
Solution:
From
is meaningless, use
answer
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50 - 52 Nearest distance from a given point to a given curve

Tags:
maxima and minima
point
curve
distance
ellipse
Problem 50
Find the shortest distance from the point (4, 2) to the ellipse x2 + 3y2 = 12.
Solution:
from
By trial and error
The nearest point is (3, 1)
Nearest distance:
answer
Another Solution:
Thus, slope of normal at any point is
Equation of normal:
the same equation as above (okay)
Problem 51
Find the shortest distance from the point (1 + n, 0) to the curve y = xn, n > 0.
Solution:
by inspection: x = 1
1 raise to any positive number is 1

answer
Problem 52
Find the shortest distance from the point (0, 5) to the ellipse 3y2 = x3.
Solution:
Thus, slope of normal at any point is
Equation of normal:
By trial and error

Nearest point on the curve is (3, 3)
Shortest distance
answer
For similar problem, see Problem 48 and its solution.

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53 - 55 Solved Problems in Maxima and Minima

Tags:
cylindrical tank
copper
maxima and minima
rectangle
cylinder
boiler
circular quadrant
tin
Problem 53
Cut the largest possible rectangle from a circular quadrant, as shown in Fig. 40.
Solution:
Area of rectangle
for
(meaningless)
for
answer
Problem 54
A cylindrical tin boiler, open at the top, has a copper bottom. If sheet copper is m times as expensive
as tin, per unit area, find the most economical proportions.
Solution:
Let
k = cost per unit area of tin
mk = cost per unit area of copper
C = total cost
Volume
Height = m radius answer
Problem 55
Solve Problem 54 above if the boiler is to have a tin cover. Deduce the answer directly from the
solution of Problem 54.
Solution:
Volume
Height = (m + 1) radius answer

maxima-and-minima#sthash.lz0FSyI6.dpuf
56 - 57 Maxima and minima problems of square box and

silo
Tags:
maxima and minima
box
silo
oak
pine
Problem 56
The base of a covered box is a square. The bottom and back are made of pine, the remainder of
oak. If oak is m times as expensive as pine, find the most economical proportion.
Solution:
Let
k = unit price of pine
mk = unit price of oak
C = total cost
Volume of the square box:
Total cost:
answer
Problem 57
A silo consists of a cylinder surmounted by a hemisphere. If the floor, walls, and roof are equally
expensive per unit area, find the most economical proportion.
Solution:
Let
k = unit price
Total cost:
Volume of silo = volume of cylinder + volume of hemisphere:

Total height = diameter answer
problems-of-square-box-and-silo#sthash.tuSnMyoU.dpuf
58 - 59 Maxima and minima: cylinder surmounted by

hemisphere and cylinder surmounted by cone
Tags:
cylindrical tank
maxima and minima
silo
cone
hemisphere
can
Problem 58
For the silo of Problem 57, find the most economical proportions, if the floor is twice as expensive as
the walls, per unit area, and the roof is three times as expensive as the walls, per unit area.
Solution:
Let
k = unit price of wall
2k = unit price of floor
3k = unit price of roof
Total cost:
Equation (1)
Volume of silo = volume of cylinder + volume of hemisphere:
Equation (2)
Equate Equations (1) and (2)
Diameter = 2/7 total height answer
Problem 59
An oil can consists of a cylinder surmounted by a cone. If the diameter of the cone is five-sixths of its
height, find the most economical proportions.
Solution:
Area of the floor
Area of cylindrical wall
Area of conical roof:
Thus,
Total area:
Equation (1)
Volume = volume of cylinder + volume of cone

Equation (2)
Equate Equations (1) and (2)
Height of cone = 2 height of cylinder answer

cylinder-surmounted-by-hemisphere-and-cylinde#sthash.H2wSjlvY.dpuf
60 - 61 Maxima and minima problems of a folded page

Tags:
maxima and minima
page
Problem 60
One corner of a leaf of width a is folded over so as just to reach the opposite side of
the page. Find the width of the part folded over when the length of the crease is a
minimum. See Figure 41.
Solution:
From the figure:

From double angle formula:
answer
Problem 61
Solve Problem 60 above if the area folded over is to be a minimum.
Solution:
From the solution of Problem 60 above:

Thus,
Area:
answer
problems-of-a-folded-page#sthash.7tOniFy1.dpuf
62 - 63 Maxima and minima: cylinder inscribed in a cone

and cone inscribed in a sphere
Tags:
maxima and minima
cylinder
sphere
cone
Problem 62
Inscribe a circular cylinder of maximum convex surface area in a given circular cone.
Solution:
Convex surface area of the cylinder:
The cone is given, thus H and D are constant
Diameter of cylinder = radius of cone answer
Problem 63
Find the circular cone of maximum volume inscribed in a sphere of radius a.
Solution:
Volume of the cone:
From the figure:

The sphere is given, thus radius a is constant.
Altitude of cone = 4/3 of radius of sphere answer

cylinder-inscribed-in-a-cone-and-cone-inscrib#sthash.wk26GQ3C.dpuf
64 - 65 Maxima and minima: cone inscribed in a sphere and

cone circumscribed about a sphere
Tags:
maxima and minima
sphere
cone
Problem 64
A sphere is cut to the shape of a circular cone. How much of the material can be saved?
(See Problem 63).
Solution:
Volume of sphere or radius a:
Volume of cone of radius r and altitude h:
From the solution of Problem 63:
Thus,
answer
Problem 65
Find the circular cone of minimum volume circumscribed about a sphere of radius a.
Solution:
Volume of cone:
Thus,
Altitude of the cone = 4 the radius of the sphere, a answer
Another Solution:
For a circle inscribed in a triangle, its center is at the point of

intersection of the angular bisector of the triangle called
the incenter (see figure).
For the problem:
From the figure:
Thus,
(okay!)
cone-inscribed-in-a-sphere-and-sphere-inscrib#sthash.yFd2cofW.dpuf
66 - 68 Maxima and minima: Pyramid inscribed in a sphere

and Indian tepee
Tags:
maxima and minima
sphere
cone
tepee
pyramid
tent
Problem 66
Find the largest right pyramid with a square base that can be inscribed in a sphere of radius a.
Solution:
Volume of pyramid:
From the figure:

Altitude of pyramid = 4/3 radius of sphere, a answer
Problem 67
An Indian tepee is made by stretching skins or birch bark over a group of poles tied together at the
top. If poles of given length are to be used, what shape gives maximum volume?
Solution:
/>From the figure:
The length of pole is given, thus L is constant
Volume of tepee:
answer
Problem 68
Solve Problem 67 above if poles of any length can be found, but only limited amount of covering
material is available.
Solution:
Area of covering material:

where
Volume of tepee:
answer
pyramid-inscribed-in-a-sphere-and-indian-tepe#sthash.anT1QX2q.dpuf
69 - 71 Shortest and most economical path of motorboat

Tags:
maxima and minima
motorboat
bus
transportation
beach
Problem 69
A man on an island 12 miles south of a straight beach wishes to reach a point on shore 20 miles
east. If a motorboat, making 20 miles per hour, can be hired at the rate of $2.00 per hour for the time
it is actually used, and the cost of land transportation is $0.06 per mile, how much must he pay for
the trip?
Solution:
Distance traveled by boat:
Note: time = distance/speed
Total cost of travel:
answer
Problem 70
A man in a motorboat at A (Figure 42) receives a message at noon
calling him to B. A bus making 40 miles per hour leaves C, bound for
B, at 1:00 PM. If AC = 40 miles, what must be the speed of the boat to
enable the man to catch the bus.
Solution:
distance = speed time
answer
Problem 71
In Problem 70, if the speed of the boat is 30 miles per hour, what is the greatest distance offshore
from which the bus can be caught?
Solution:
answer
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72 - 74 Light intensity of illumination and theory of

attraction
Tags:
maxima and minima
illumination
theory of attraction
Problem 72
A light is to be placed above the center of a circular area of radius a. What height gives the best
illumination on a circular walk surrounding the area? (When light from a point source strikes a
surface obliquely, the intensity of illumination is
where is the angle of incidence and d the distance from the source.)
Solution:
From the figure:

Thus,
answer
Problem 73
It is shown in the theory of attraction that a wire bent in the form of a circle of radius a exerts upon a
particle in the axis of the circle (i.e., in the line through the center of the circle perpendicular to the
plane) an attraction proportional to
where h is the height of the particle above the plane of the circle. Find h, for maximum attraction.
(Compare with Problem 72 above)
Solution:
Attraction:
answer
Problem 74
In Problem 73 above, if the wire has instead the form of a square of side , the attraction is
proportional to
Find h for maximum attraction.
Solution:
Use
answer
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Cylinder of maximum volume and maximum lateral area

inscribed in a cone
Tags:
cylinder
right circular cone
maximum volume
maximum lateral area
Situation
A right circular cylinder of radius r and height h is inscribed in a right circular cone of radius 6 m and
height 12 m.
Part 1: Determine the radius of the cylinder such that its volume is a maximum.
A. 2 m
B. 4 m
C. 3 m
D. 5 m
Part 2: Determine the maximum volume of the cylinder.

A. 145.72 m3
B. 321.12 m3
C. 225.31 m3
D. 201.06 m3
Part 3: Determine the height of the cylinder such that its lateral area is a maximum.
A. 10 m
B. 8 m
C. 6 m
D. 4 m
Solution
For maximum volume of cylinder:
Part 1: [ B ]
Part 2: [ D ]
For maximum lateral surface area:

Part 3: [ C ]
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and-maximum-lateral-area-inscribed-cone#sthash.hwXcZ8gQ.dpuf
Distance between projection points on the legs of right

triangle (solution by Calculus)
Problem
From the right triangle ABC shown below, AB = 40 cm and BC = 30 cm. Points E and F are
projections of point D from hypotenuse AC to the perpendicular legs AB and BC, respectively. How
far is D from AB so that length EF is minimal?
Solution
By ratio and proportion

By Pythagorean theorem
For minimum length of d, differentiate then equate to zero
Distance of D from side AB for minimum length of d
answer
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Largest parabolic section from right circular cone

Tags:
parabolic section
right circular cone
largest area
height of parabola
width of parabola
height of cone
Situation
A right circular cone has a base diameter of 24 cm. The maximum area of parabolic segment that
can be cut from this cone is 207.8 cm2.
Part 1: Determine the base width of the parabola.

A. 22.32 cm
B. 18.54 cm
C. 15.63 cm
D. 20.78 cm
Part 2: Determine the altitude of the parabola.
A. 14 cm
B. 18 cm
C. 15 cm
D. 16 cm
Part 2: Determine the altitude of the cone.

A. 20 cm
B. 14 cm
C. 16 cm
D. 18 cm
Solution
Maximum area of parabolic section
Equation (1)
Triangle DEC is similar to triangle ABC
Equation (2)
For the right triangle at the base of the cone
Equation (3)
Area of parabolic section at any distance x

Use
Thus,
From Equation (3)
Base-width of parabolic section
Part 1: [ D ]
Altitude of parabolic section
From Equation (1)
Part 2: [ C ]
From
From Equation (2)
By Pythagorean theorem
Part 3: [ C ]
Note:
For maximum area of parabola that can be cut from a right circular cone:
Solving the problem using the above formulas

ShowClick here to show or hide the solution
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Time Rates | Applications

Basic Time Rates

Velocity, , where is the distance.

Acceleration, , where is velocity and is the distance.

Discharge, , where is the volume at any time.

Angular Speed, , where is the angle at any time.

Steps in Solving Time Rates Problem

1. Identify what are changing and what are fixed.

From the figure in Solution 6 above

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08-09 Rate of movement of shadow on the ground

ratio and proportion

After a long time, t =

From the Solution 13

From the figure:

From Solution 15, when y = 5 ft

1st Solution (Specific):

Time: 12:39 PM answer

2nd Solution (General):

Time: 12:39 PM answer

First condition: (after 12:39 PM but before 1:05 PM)

Second condition: (after 1:05 PM but before 1:22:30 PM)

Third condition: (after 1:22:30 PM)

From Solution 19,

(a) at 12:15 PM, t = 15/60 = 0.25 hr

(b) at 12:30 PM, t = 30/60 = 0.5 hr

(c) at 1:15 PM, t = 1 + 15/60 = 1.25 hr

(a) at 12:15 PM, t = 15/60 = 0.25 hr

(b) at 12:45 PM, t = 45/60 = 0.75 hr

Distance traveled by car from F

The cars may/will collide at this time. answer

From Solution 26, x = 30 ft when s = 50 ft

28-29 Time Rates: Two cars driving on roads that intersects

maxima and minima

Time: 12:29 PM answer

Time: 3:45 PM answer

Minimum distance will occur at t = 3.75,

the train and the car are nearest together if ds/dt = 0

From the figure:

From the Solution 33,

after a long time,

From the figure:

after 6 hrs from start, t = 6 - 2 = 4 hrs

Maxima and Minima | Applications

Graph of the Function y = f(x)

Relative Maximum and Minimum Points

At points of inflection, the second derivative of y is zero (y" = 0).

axima and minima

Steps in Solving Maxima and Minima Problems

1. Identify the constant, say cost of fencing.

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Let x and y = the numbers

Let x and y = the numbers

The numbers are 1/3 a, and 2/3 a. answer

Let x and y the numbers

The numbers are 1/4 a and 3/4 a. answer

Let x and y the numbers

- See more at: http://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/05-08-number-problems-in-maxima-and-

width = length answer

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width = length answer

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15 - 17 Box open at the top in maxima and minima