Scribd
Upload
429 views

Optimization Word Problems

Optimization problems involve finding the maximum or minimum value of an objective function subject to constraints. Key steps include drawing a picture, writing objective and constraint equations, expressing the objective equation in one variable, taking the derivative and setting it equal to zero, and solving. For example, to find the lowest cost fence enclosing 120 square feet, the objective is to minimize cost (10l + 12w), the constraint is area (wl = 120), the derivative of cost in terms of l is taken and set to zero to find l = 12 and then w = 10.

Uploaded by

rcrpn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
429 views

Optimization Word Problems

Optimization problems involve finding the maximum or minimum value of an objective function subject to constraints. Key steps include drawing a picture, writing objective and constraint equations, expressing the objective equation in one variable, taking the derivative and setting it equal to zero, and solving. For example, to find the lowest cost fence enclosing 120 square feet, the objective is to minimize cost (10l + 12w), the constraint is area (wl = 120), the derivative of cost in terms of l is taken and set to zero to find l = 12 and then w = 10.

Uploaded by

rcrpn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

OPTIMIZATION

Optimization problems are word problems dealing with finding the maximum or
minimum solutions to a problem. Examples of optimization problems are as follows:
1.
2.

Given 20sq. ft. of cardboard, what are the dimensions of the biggest box that can
be made?
If you wanted to construct a cylindrical tin can that would hold 10 fluid ounces of
a liquid, what are the dimensions that will use the least amount of material?

Before working optimization problems, a student must be aware of a couple of concepts


from calculus.
1.
2.

A student must know how to take the first derivative of a function of one variable.
A student must be aware of the fact that in order to find the maximum or minimum
points on a graph, one needs to take the first derivative of the function, set it equal
to zero and solve for the unknown variable.

Let us look at an optimization problem. Be aware of the steps involved.


Example: A farmer wants to build a rectangular fence that will enclose 120 square feet
for his dog Miff. The two long sides of the fence are to be made of
Styrofoam at a cost of $5 per foot. The two shorter sides are to be made of
wire at a cost of $6 per foot. What are the dimensions of the fence that will
minimize cost?

First, let us draw a picture of the problem.

l
w

l
Next, let us write out our Objective Equation. The object of the problem is to minimize
cost, so our Objective Equation must be an equation that represents the total cost of the
fence (Cost Equation).
Cost = 5l + 6w + 5l + 6w
= 5l + 5l + 6w + 6w
= 10l + 12w

Our next step is to see if we are constrained in some way. If so, we must write an
equation representing this constraint (Constraint Equation). We were told that we had
to have an area of 120 square feet, so our constraint equation would be the equation for
area.
A = wl = 120
Since the object of this problem is to minimize cost, we know that we will have to take
the first derivative of the cost equation, set it equal to zero and solve for the unknown
variable. Right now, however, we cannot take the first derivative of the cost equation
because it is not in terms of one variable; therefore, our next step is to get the Objective
Equation (Cost Equation) in terms of one variable. It is usually easiest to do this by
using the Constraint Equation to solve for one of the variables in the objective equation
Since wl = 120, then w = 120/l
and so substituting 120/l for w in the Cost Equation, we get:
Cost = 10l + 12(120/l)
= 10l + 1440/l
= 10l + 1440l -1
Now we are ready to take the first derivative of the cost equation
C = 10l+ 1440l -1
C' = 10 + (-1440)l -2
C' = 10 - 1440l -2
Now we set the first derivative of the cost equation equal to zero and solve for l
0 = 10 - 1440l 2

Adding 1440l -2 to both sides we get

1440l -2 = 10
1440/l 2 = 10

Multiplying by l 2 on both sides we get

1440 = 10l 2

Dividing by 10 on both sides we get

144 =l 2
l = 12

Since we cannot have a negative length,


our only remaining answer is

l = 12

Our final step is to make sure we have solved the problem. The problem was to find the
dimensions that will give us a minimum cost. We have l but we still need to find w.
Since

w = 120/l (from the constant equation)


w = 120/12 = 10

l = 12 w = 10
The problem is solved.
General Steps to Use When Solving
Optimization Problems

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.
6.

Draw a picture.
Determine your Objective Equation. The Objective Equation is the equation that
illustrates the object of the problem. If asked to maximize area, an equation
representing the total area is your objective equation. If asked to minimize cost, an
equation representing the total cost is your objective equation.
Determine your Constraint Equation. The Constraint Equation is an equation
representing any constraints that you are given in the problem. Note: There may not
always be a constraint in the problem. This may imply that the objective equation
is already in one variable.
Make sure that the objective equation is in terms of one variable. You will probably
be able to use the constraint equation in some way to complete this step.
Take the first derivative of the objective equation, set it equal to zero, and solve for
your variable.
Go back and make sure you have solved for all variables in the problem.

Example: What is the maximum area of a rectangular window with semicircle caps (top
and bottom) if the perimeter of the window is 30 feet.
1. Draw a picture

2r
l

2. Determine your Objective


Equation

Area of 2
semi-circles
A = r2
r2

Area of
rectangle
+
+

l 2r
2lr
3

3. Determine Constraint
Equation

P = 2l + 2r = 30

4. Express the Objective


Equation in terms of
one variable.

A = r2 + 2lr
(where l is 15 - r as determined next)

Since 2l + 2r = 30
2l = 30 - 2r
l = 1/2 (30 - 2r)
l=

15 - r

Then A = r2 + 2(15 - r)r


= r2 + 30r - 2r2
A = 30r - r2

5. Take the first


derivative of the
Objective Equation,
set it equal to zero,
and solve for your
variable.
6. Go back and make sure
that you have solved
the problem.

A' = 30 - 2r
30 - 2r = 0
30 = 2r
30/2 = r
r = 15/
A = 30r - r2
= 30(15/) - (15/)2
= 30(15/) - (225/2)
= 450/ - 225/
= 225/
The maximum area of the window is
225/ square feet.

Revised: Spring 2004


Source: Learning Skills Center
The University of Texas at Austin
Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC)
Texas State University-San Marcos

You might also like