4.

7: Optimization Problems
 Learning Objectives
Set up and solve optimization problems in several applied fields.

One common application of calculus is calculating the minimum or maximum value of a function. For example, companies often
want to minimize production costs or maximize revenue. In manufacturing, it is often desirable to minimize the amount of material
used to package a product with a certain volume. In this section, we show how to set up these types of minimization and
maximization problems and solve them by using the tools developed in this chapter.

Solving Optimization Problems over a Closed, Bounded Interval

The basic idea of the optimization problems that follow is the same. We have a particular quantity that we are interested in
maximizing or minimizing. However, we also have some auxiliary condition that needs to be satisfied. For example, in Example
4.7.1, we are interested in maximizing the area of a rectangular garden. Certainly, if we keep making the side lengths of the garden

larger, the area will continue to become larger. However, what if we have some restriction on how much fencing we can use for the
perimeter? In this case, we cannot make the garden as large as we like. Let’s look at how we can maximize the area of a rectangle
subject to some constraint on the perimeter.

 Example 4.7.1: Maximizing the Area of a Garden

A rectangular garden is to be constructed using a rock wall as one side of the garden and wire fencing for the other three sides
(Figure 4.7.1). Given 100 ft of wire fencing, determine the dimensions that would create a garden of maximum area. What is
the maximum area?

Figure 4.7.1 : We want to determine the measurements x and y that will create a garden with a maximum area using 100 ft of
fencing.
Solution
Let x denote the length of the side of the garden perpendicular to the rock wall and y denote the length of the side parallel to
the rock wall. Then the area of the garden is
A = x ⋅ y.

We want to find the maximum possible area subject to the constraint that the total fencing is 100 ft . From Figure 4.7.1 , the
total amount of fencing used will be 2x + y. Therefore, the constraint equation is
2x + y = 100.

Solving this equation for y , we have y = 100 − 2x. Thus, we can write the area as
2
A(x) = x ⋅ (100 − 2x) = 100x − 2 x .

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 Before trying to maximize the area function A(x) = 100x − 2x , we need to determine the domain under consideration. To
2

construct a rectangular garden, we certainly need the lengths of both sides to be positive. Therefore, we need x > 0 and y > 0 .
Since y = 100 − 2x , if y > 0 , then x < 50. Therefore, we are trying to determine the maximum value of A(x) for x over the
open interval (0, 50). We do not know that a function necessarily has a maximum value over an open interval. However, we do
know that a continuous function has an absolute maximum (and absolute minimum) over a closed interval. Therefore, let’s
consider the function A(x) = 100x − 2x over the closed interval [0, 50]. If the maximum value occurs at an interior point,
2

then we have found the value x in the open interval (0, 50) that maximizes the area of the garden.
Therefore, we consider the following problem:
Maximize A(x) = 100x − 2x over the interval [0, 50].
2

As mentioned earlier, since A is a continuous function on a closed, bounded interval, by the extreme value theorem, it has a
maximum and a minimum. These extreme values occur either at endpoints or critical points. At the endpoints, A(x) = 0 . Since
the area is positive for all x in the open interval (0, 50), the maximum must occur at a critical point. Differentiating the
function A(x), we obtain
A'(x) = 100 − 4x.

Therefore, the only critical point is x = 25 (Figure 4.7.2). We conclude that the maximum area must occur when x = 25.

Figure 4.7.2 : To maximize the area of the garden, we need to find the maximum value of the function A(x) = 100x − 2x .
2

Then we have y = 100 − 2x = 100 − 2(25) = 50. To maximize the area of the garden, let x = 25 ft and y = 50 ft . The area
of this garden is 1250 ft .
2

 Exercise 4.7.1

Determine the maximum area if we want to make the same rectangular garden as in Figure 4.7.2, but we have 200 ft of
fencing.

Hint
We need to maximize the function A(x) = 200x − 2x over the interval [0, 100].
2

Answer
The maximum area is 5000 ft . 2

Now let’s look at a general strategy for solving optimization problems similar to Example 4.7.1.

 Problem-Solving Strategy: Solving Optimization Problems

1. Introduce all variables. If applicable, draw a figure and label all variables.
2. Determine which quantity is to be maximized or minimized, and for what range of values of the other variables (if this can
be determined at this time).
3. Write a formula for the quantity to be maximized or minimized in terms of the variables. This formula may involve more
than one variable.

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 4. Write any equations relating the independent variables in the formula from step 3. Use these equations to write the quantity
to be maximized or minimized as a function of one variable.
5. Identify the domain of consideration for the function in step 4 based on the physical problem to be solved.
6. Locate the maximum or minimum value of the function from step 4. This step typically involves looking for critical points
and evaluating a function at endpoints.

Now let’s apply this strategy to maximize the volume of an open-top box given a constraint on the amount of material to be used.

 Example 4.7.2: Maximizing the Volume of a Box

An open-top box is to be made from a 24 in. by 36 in. piece of cardboard by removing a square from each corner of the box
and folding up the flaps on each side. What size square should be cut out of each corner to get a box with the maximum
volume?
Solution
Step 1: Let x be the side length of the square to be removed from each corner (Figure 4.7.3). Then, the remaining four flaps
can be folded up to form an open-top box. Let V be the volume of the resulting box.

Figure 4.7.3 : A square with side length x inches is removed from each corner of the piece of cardboard. The remaining flaps
are folded to form an open-top box.
Step 2: We are trying to maximize the volume of a box. Therefore, the problem is to maximize V .
Step 3: As mentioned in step 2, are trying to maximize the volume of a box. The volume of a box is

V = L ⋅ W ⋅ H,

where L, W,and H are the length, width, and height, respectively.

Step 4: From Figure 4.7.3, we see that the height of the box is x inches, the length is 36 − 2x inches, and the width is 24 − 2x
inches. Therefore, the volume of the box is
V (x) = (36 − 2x)(24 − 2x)x
.
3 2
= 4x − 120 x + 864x

Step 5: To determine the domain of consideration, let’s examine Figure 4.7.3. Certainly, we need x > 0. Furthermore, the side
length of the square cannot be greater than or equal to half the length of the shorter side, 24 in.; otherwise, one of the flaps
would be completely cut off. Therefore, we are trying to determine whether there is a maximum volume of the box for x over
the open interval (0, 12). Since V is a continuous function over the closed interval [0, 12], we know V will have an absolute
maximum over the closed interval. Therefore, we consider V over the closed interval [0, 12] and check whether the absolute
maximum occurs at an interior point.
Step 6: Since V (x) is a continuous function over the closed, bounded interval [0, 12], V must have an absolute maximum (and
an absolute minimum). Since V (x) = 0 at the endpoints and V (x) > 0 for 0 < x < 12, the maximum must occur at a critical
point. The derivative is
2
V '(x) = 12 x − 240x + 864.

To find the critical points, we need to solve the equation

2
12 x − 240x + 864 = 0.

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Dividing both sides of this equation by 12, the problem simplifies to solving the equation
2
x − 20x + 72 = 0.

Using the quadratic formula, we find that the critical points are
−−−−−−−−−−−−− −
2
20 ± √ (−20 ) − 4(1)(72)
x =
2
−−−
20 ± √112
=
2 .

–
20 ± 4 √7
=
2
–
= 10 ± 2 √7

– –
Since 10 + 2√7 is not in the domain of consideration, the only critical point we need to consider is 10 − 2√7 . Therefore, the
–
volume is maximized if we let x = 10 − 2√7 in. The maximum volume is
– – 3
V (10 − 2 √7) = 640 + 448 √7 ≈ 1825 in .

as shown in the following graph.

Figure 4.7.4 : Maximizing the volume of the box leads to finding the maximum value of a cubic polynomial.

 Exercise 4.7.2

Suppose the dimensions of the cardboard in Example 4.7.2 are 20 in. by 30 in. Let x be the side length of each square and
write the volume of the open-top box as a function of x. Determine the domain of consideration for x.

Hint
The volume of the box is L ⋅ W ⋅ H .

Answer
V (x) = x(20 − 2x)(30 − 2x). The domain is [0, 10].

 Example 4.7.3: Minimizing Travel Time

An island is 2 mi due north of its closest point along a straight shoreline. A visitor is staying at a cabin on the shore that is 6 mi
west of that point. The visitor is planning to go from the cabin to the island. Suppose the visitor runs at a rate of 8 mph and
swims at a rate of 3 mph. How far should the visitor run before swimming to minimize the time it takes to reach the island?
Solution
Step 1: Let x be the distance running and let y be the distance swimming (Figure 4.7.5). Let T be the time it takes to get from
the cabin to the island.

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 Figure 4.7.5 : How can we choose x and y to minimize the travel time from the cabin to the island?
Step 2: The problem is to minimize T .
Step 3: To find the time spent traveling from the cabin to the island, add the time spent running and the time spent swimming.
Since Distance = Rate × Time (D = R × T ), the time spent running is
Drunning x
Trunning = = ,
Rrunning 8

and the time spent swimming is

Dswimming y
Tswimming = = .
Rswimming 3

Therefore, the total time spent traveling is

x y
T = + .
8 3

Step 4: From Figure 4.7.5, the line segment of y miles forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs of length 2 mi and
−−− −− −−− −−
6 − x mi. Therefore, by the Pythagorean theorem, 2 + (6 − x ) = y , and we obtain y = √(6 − x ) + 4 . Thus, the total
2 2 2 2

time spent traveling is given by the function

−−− −−− − −−−
2
x √(6 − x ) + 4
T (x) = + .
8 3

Step 5: From Figure 4.7.5, we see that 0 ≤ x ≤ 6 . Therefore, [0, 6] is the domain of consideration.
Step 6: Since T (x) is a continuous function over a closed, bounded interval, it has a maximum and a minimum. Let’s begin by
looking for any critical points of T over the interval [0, 6]. The derivative is
2 −1/2
1 1 [(6 − x ) + 4]
T '(x) = − ⋅ 2(6 − x)
8 2 3

1 (6 − x)
= −
− −−−− − − −−−
8 2
3 √ (6 − x ) + 4

If T '(x) = 0,, then

1 6 −x
= (4.7.1)
− −−−− − − −−−
8 2
3 √ (6 − x ) + 4

Therefore,
−−−−−−−−−−
2
3 √ (6 − x ) + 4 = 8(6 − x). (4.7.2)

Squaring both sides of this equation, we see that if x satisfies this equation, then x must satisfy
2 2
9[(6 − x ) + 4] = 64(6 − x ) ,

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 which implies
2
55(6 − x ) = 36.

We conclude that if x is a critical point, then x satisfies

2
36
(x − 6 ) = .
55

[Note that since we are squaring, (x − 6) 2 2

= (6 − x ) . ]
Therefore, the possibilities for critical points are
6
x =6± −−.
√55

−− −−
Since x = 6 + 6/√55 is not in the domain, it is not a possibility for a critical point. On the other hand, x = 6 − 6/√55 is in
the domain. Since we squared both sides of Equation 4.7.2 to arrive at the possible critical points, it remains to verify that
−− −− −−
x = 6 − 6/ √55 satisfies Equation 4.7.1. Since x = 6 − 6/ √55 does satisfy that equation, we conclude that x = 6 − 6/ √55

is a critical point, and it is the only one. To justify that the time is minimized for this value of x, we just need to check the
values of T (x) at the endpoints x = 0 and x = 6 , and compare them with the value of T (x) at the critical point
−−
x = 6 − 6/ √55 . We find that T (0) ≈ 2.108 h and T (6) ≈ 1.417 h, whereas

−−
T (6 − 6/ √55) ≈ 1.368 h.

Therefore, we conclude that T has a local minimum at x ≈ 5.19 mi.

 Exercise 4.7.3

Suppose the island is 1 mi from shore, and the distance from the cabin to the point on the shore closest to the island is 15 mi.
Suppose a visitor swims at the rate of 2.5 mph and runs at a rate of 6 mph. Let x denote the distance the visitor will run before
swimming, and find a function for the time it takes the visitor to get from the cabin to the island.

Hint
The time T = Trunning + Tswimming .

Answer
−−−−− −− − −−−
x √(15 − x )2 + 1
T (x) = +
6 2.5

In business, companies are interested in maximizing revenue. In the following example, we consider a scenario in which a
company has collected data on how many cars it is able to lease, depending on the price it charges its customers to rent a car. Let’s
use these data to determine the price the company should charge to maximize the amount of money it brings in.

 Example 4.7.4: Maximizing Revenue

Owners of a car rental company have determined that if they charge customers p dollars per day to rent a car, where
50 ≤ p ≤ 200 , the number of cars n they rent per day can be modeled by the linear function n(p) = 1000 − 5p . If they charge

$50 per day or less, they will rent all their cars. If they charge $200 per day or more, they will not rent any cars. Assuming the

owners plan to charge customers between $50 per day and $200 per day to rent a car, how much should they charge to
maximize their revenue?
Solution
Step 1: Let p be the price charged per car per day and let n be the number of cars rented per day. Let R be the revenue per day.
Step 2: The problem is to maximize R.
Step 3: The revenue (per day) is equal to the number of cars rented per day times the price charged per car per day—that is,
R = n × p.

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Step 4: Since the number of cars rented per day is modeled by the linear function n(p) = 1000 − 5p, the revenue R can be
represented by the function
R(p) = n × p

= (1000 − 5p)p

2
= −5 p + 1000p.

Step 5: Since the owners plan to charge between $50 per car per day and $200 per car per day, the problem is to find the
maximum revenue R(p) for p in the closed interval [50, 200].
Step 6: Since R is a continuous function over the closed, bounded interval [50, 200], it has an absolute maximum (and an
absolute minimum) in that interval. To find the maximum value, look for critical points. The derivative is
R'(p) = −10p + 1000. Therefore, the critical point is p = 100 . When p = 100, R(100) = $50, 000. When
p = 50, R(p) = $37, 500. When p = 200, R(p) = $0 .

Therefore, the absolute maximum occurs at p = $100. The car rental company should charge $100 per day per car to
maximize revenue as shown in the following figure.

Figure 4.7.6 : To maximize revenue, a car rental company has to balance the price of a rental against the number of cars people
will rent at that price.

 Exercise 4.7.4

A car rental company charges its customers p dollars per day, where 60 ≤ p ≤ 150 . It has found that the number of cars rented
per day can be modeled by the linear function n(p) = 750 − 5p. How much should the company charge each customer to
maximize revenue?

Hint
R(p) = n × p, where n is the number of cars rented and p is the price charged per car.

Answer
The company should charge $75 per car per day.

 Example 4.7.5: Maximizing the Area of an Inscribed Rectangle

A rectangle is to be inscribed in the ellipse
2
x
2
+y = 1.
4

What should the dimensions of the rectangle be to maximize its area? What is the maximum area?
Solution
Step 1: For a rectangle to be inscribed in the ellipse, the sides of the rectangle must be parallel to the axes. Let L be the length
of the rectangle and W be its width. Let A be the area of the rectangle.

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 Figure 4.7.7 : We want to maximize the area of a rectangle inscribed in an ellipse.
Step 2: The problem is to maximize A .
Step 3: The area of the rectangle is A = LW .
Step 4: Let (x, y) be the corner of the rectangle that lies in the first quadrant, as shown in Figure 4.7.7. We can write length
−−−−−−
2 2
x x
L = 2x and width W = 2y . Since +y
2
=1 and y > 0 , we have y = √1− . Therefore, the area is
4 4
−−−−−−
2
x −−−− −
2
A = LW = (2x)(2y) = 4x √1 − = 2x √4 − x
4

Step 5: From Figure 4.7.7, we see that to inscribe a rectangle in the ellipse, the x-coordinate of the corner in the first quadrant
must satisfy 0 < x < 2 . Therefore, the problem reduces to looking for the maximum value of A(x) over the open interval
(0, 2). Since A(x) will have an absolute maximum (and absolute minimum) over the closed interval [0, 2], we consider
−−−−−
A(x) = 2x √4 − x over the interval [0, 2]. If the absolute maximum occurs at an interior point, then we have found an
2

absolute maximum in the open interval.

Step 6: As mentioned earlier, A(x) is a continuous function over the closed, bounded interval [0, 2]. Therefore, it has an
absolute maximum (and absolute minimum). At the endpoints x = 0 and x = 2 , A(x) = 0. For 0 < x < 2 , A(x) > 0 .
Therefore, the maximum must occur at a critical point. Taking the derivative of A(x), we obtain
−−−−− 1
′ 2
A (x) = 2 √ 4 − x + 2x ⋅ − −−− − (−2x)
2
2√ 4 − x

2
− −−− − 2x
2
= 2√ 4 − x − − −−− −
√ 4 − x2

2
8 − 4x
= − −−− −.
√ 4 − x2

To find critical points, we need to find where A (x) = 0. We can see that if x is a solution of
′

2
8 − 4x
= 0, (4.7.3)
− −−− −
√ 4 − x2

then x must satisfy

2
8 − 4x = 0.

–
Therefore, x = 2. Thus,
2
x = ±√2 are the possible solutions of Equation 4.7.3. Since we are considering x over the interval
– – –
[0, 2], x = √ 2 is a possibility for a critical point, but x = −√2 is not. Therefore, we check whether √2 is a solution of
– –
Equation 4.7.3. Since x = √2 is a solution of Equation 4.7.3, we conclude that √2 is the only critical point of A(x) in the
interval [0, 2].
–
Therefore, A(x) must have an absolute maximum at the critical point x = √2 . To determine the dimensions of the rectangle,
–
we need to find the length L and the width W . If x = √2 then

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 −−−−−−−−−
– −−−−−
2
(√2) 1 1
y = √1 − = √1 − = –.
4 2 √2

– 2 –
Therefore, the dimensions of the rectangle are L = 2x = 2 √2 and W = 2y =
–
= √2 . The area of this rectangle is
√2
– –
A = LW = (2 √2)(√2) = 4.

 Exercise 4.7.5

Modify the area function A if the rectangle is to be inscribed in the unit circle 2
x +y
2
=1 . What is the domain of
consideration?

Hint
If (x, y) is the vertex of the square that lies in the first quadrant, then the area of the square is A = (2x)(2y) = 4xy.

Answer
−−−− −
2
A(x) = 4x √1 − x . The domain of consideration is [0, 1].

Solving Optimization Problems when the Interval Is Not Closed or Is Unbounded

In the previous examples, we considered functions on closed, bounded domains. Consequently, by the extreme value theorem, we
were guaranteed that the functions had absolute extrema. Let’s now consider functions for which the domain is neither closed nor
bounded.
Many functions still have at least one absolute extrema, even if the domain is not closed or the domain is unbounded. For example,
the function f (x) = x + 4 over (−∞, ∞) has an absolute minimum of 4 at x = 0 . Therefore, we can still consider functions
2

over unbounded domains or open intervals and determine whether they have any absolute extrema. In the next example, we try to
minimize a function over an unbounded domain. We will see that, although the domain of consideration is (0, ∞), the function has
an absolute minimum.
In the following example, we look at constructing a box of least surface area with a prescribed volume. It is not difficult to show
that for a closed-top box, by symmetry, among all boxes with a specified volume, a cube will have the smallest surface area.
Consequently, we consider the modified problem of determining which open-topped box with a specified volume has the smallest
surface area.

 Example 4.7.6: Minimizing Surface Area

A rectangular box with a square base, an open top, and a volume of 216 in is to be constructed. What should the dimensions
3

of the box be to minimize the surface area of the box? What is the minimum surface area?
Solution
Step 1: Draw a rectangular box and introduce the variable x to represent the length of each side of the square base; let y

represent the height of the box. Let S denote the surface area of the open-top box.

Figure 4.7.8 : We want to minimize the surface area of a square-based box with a given volume.
Step 2: We need to minimize the surface area. Therefore, we need to minimize S .
Step 3: Since the box has an open top, we need only determine the area of the four vertical sides and the base. The area of each
of the four vertical sides is x ⋅ y. The area of the base is x . Therefore, the surface area of the box is
2

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 S = 4xy + x
2
.
Step 4: Since the volume of this box is x 2
y and the volume is given as 216 in , the constraint equation is
3

2
x y = 216 .
216
Solving the constraint equation for y , we have y = 2
. Therefore, we can write the surface area as a function of x only:
x

216 2
S(x) = 4x ( ) +x .
x2

864
Therefore, S(x) = +x
2
.
x

Step 5: Since we are requiring that x y = 216, we cannot have x = 0 . Therefore, we need x > 0 . On the other hand, x is
2

allowed to have any positive value. Note that as x becomes large, the height of the box y becomes correspondingly small so
that x y = 216. Similarly, as x becomes small, the height of the box becomes correspondingly large. We conclude that the
2

domain is the open, unbounded interval (0, ∞). Note that, unlike the previous examples, we cannot reduce our problem to
looking for an absolute maximum or absolute minimum over a closed, bounded interval. However, in the next step, we
discover why this function must have an absolute minimum over the interval (0, ∞).
Step 6: Note that as x → 0 , S(x) → ∞. Also, as x → ∞, S(x) → ∞ . Since S is a continuous function that approaches
+

infinity at the ends, it must have an absolute minimum at some x ∈ (0, ∞). This minimum must occur at a critical point of S .
The derivative is
864
S'(x) = − + 2x.
2
x

864 −−− –
Therefore, S'(x) = 0 when 2x = . Solving this equation for x, we obtain , so x = √432 = 6√2. Since this is
3 3
3
x = 432
x2
–
the only critical point of S , the absolute minimum must occur at x = 6√2 (see Figure 4.7.9). 3

– 216 3 – – –
When x = 6√2 , y =
3

3 –
= 3 √2 in. Therefore, the dimensions of the box should be x = 6√2 in. and y = 3√2 in. With3 3

2
(6 √2)

these dimensions, the surface area is

3 –
864 3 – 3 –
2 2
S(6 √2) = + (6 √2) = 108 √4 in
3 –
6 √2

Figure 4.7.9 : We can use a graph to determine the dimensions of a box of given the volume and the minimum surface area.

 Exercise 4.7.6

Consider the same open-top box, which is to have volume 216 in . Suppose the cost of the material for the base is 20¢/in and
3 2

the cost of the material for the sides is 30¢/in and we are trying to minimize the cost of this box. Write the cost as a function
2

of the side lengths of the base. (Let x be the side length of the base and y be the height of the box.)

Hint
If the cost of one of the sides is 30¢/in , the cost of that side is 0.30xy dollars.
2

Answer

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 259.2
c(x) = + 0.2 x
2
dollars
x

Key Concepts
To solve an optimization problem, begin by drawing a picture and introducing variables.
Find an equation relating the variables.
Find a function of one variable to describe the quantity that is to be minimized or maximized.
Look for critical points to locate local extrema.

Glossary
optimization problems
problems that are solved by finding the maximum or minimum value of a function

4.7: Optimization Problems is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.
4.7: Applied Optimization Problems by Edwin “Jed” Herman, Gilbert Strang is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. Original source:
https://openstax.org/details/books/calculus-volume-1.

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