SAMPLE PROBLEMS IN

MAXIMA/MINIMA
Example 1
The sum of two numbers is c. Find the numbers if the product of
the square of one by the cube of the other is to be a maximum.

Solution:

Let x be one of the number

c- x be the other number

our working formula is P = 𝑥 3 ( 𝑐 − 𝑥)2

𝑑𝑃
differentiating = 𝑥 3 2 𝑐 − 𝑥 −1 + 𝑐 − 𝑥 2 (3𝑥 2)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑃
equate to zero 0 = 𝑥 2 𝑐 − 𝑥 −2𝑥 + 3 𝑐 − 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
simplify and solve for x 0 = (c-x)( -2x + 3c – 3x)
3
x=c and x = 𝑐
5

3
the answer is x = 𝑐 since if x = c , the other number will be zero which
5

result to P

equal to zero which is the minimum value . the desired numbers are
3 2
𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐.
5 5
Example 2
A farmer plans to fence off a rectangular field of fixed area and
subdivide it into three rectangular equal-sized plots on which he will plant
three different vegetables. What should be the dimensions of the in order
to minimize the amount of fencing if the area of the field is 20 square
meters.

Solution:
First we visualize the problem using a simple sketch and introduce our variables
 our working formulas are the area and the perimeter of the lots, we
express these values in terms of the variables x and y.
A = 3xy 20 = 3xy (1)
P = 6x +4y (2)
We solve for one of the variables in (1) and substitute it in (2)
20
P = 6x + 4( )
3𝑥
𝑑𝑃 80
Differentiate =6−
𝑑𝑥 3𝑥2
80
Equate to zero 0=6-
3𝑥2
40
Solve for x 18𝑥 2 = 80 𝑥2 = 𝑥 = 2.11 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
9
20
Solve for y y = 20/3x = 𝑦 = 3.16 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
6.33
Example 3
A Norman window is constructed by adjoining a semi-circle to the
top of a rectangular window. Determine the maximum area of the window
when the total perimeter is 16 feet.

Solution:
Solution:
Our first working formula is the perimeter of the window
P = 𝜋𝑟 + 2ℎ + 2𝑟
16 = 𝜋𝑟 + 2ℎ + 2𝑟

𝑑ℎ
Differentiating with respect to r, 0=𝜋+2 +2 (1)
𝑑𝑟
2
Working formula for area A = ½ 𝜋𝑟 + 2𝑟ℎ
𝑑𝐴 𝑑ℎ
Differentiating = 𝜋𝑟 + 2𝑟 + 2ℎ
𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑟
𝑑ℎ
0 = 𝜋𝑟 + 2𝑟 + 2ℎ (2)
𝑑𝑟
 𝑑ℎ
From (1) 2 = −𝜋 − 2 substitute to (2)
𝑑𝑟

0 = 𝜋𝑟 + 𝑟 −𝜋 − 2 + 2ℎ

0 = 𝜋𝑟 − 𝜋𝑟 − 2𝑟 + 2ℎ 𝑟=ℎ

16
Substitute to perimeter 16 = 𝜋𝑟 + 2𝑟 + 2𝑟 𝑟= =ℎ
𝜋+4

16 2 𝜋 16 2
Solve for the area A= 2 +
𝜋+4 2 𝜋+4

16 2 𝜋+4
= A=
𝜋+4 2
Example 4
A power barge that will supply electricity to a town is 2 km off a
straight coastline. The town is located 4 km down the coastline from a
point on the shore directly opposite the barge. Laying power cables
underwater is twice as expensive as laying it on land. What path should
the underwater cable follow in order to minimize the cost of installation?
What will be the length of this cable?

Solution:
Given:
Required:
a) x
b) length of underwater cable
Let C be the installation cost and k is installation cost in land per km
C = 𝑐𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 + 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑
= 2𝑘 𝑥 2 + 4 + 𝑘(4 − 𝑥)
𝑑𝐶 2𝑥
Differentiating = 2𝑘 −𝑘
𝑑𝑡 2 𝑥2 +4

2𝑘𝑥
0= −𝑘
𝑥 2+4

2𝑥 = 𝑥2 + 4
Square both sides 4𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2 + 4
2 2 3
3𝑥 2 = 4 𝑥= = 𝑘𝑚
3 3

4 4
Solve for length of underwater cable 𝑥2 + 4 = +4 = =
3 3

4 3
𝑘𝑚
3
Example 5
An investor who owns a corner lot in the form of a right triangle
with perpendicular sides of 60 feet and 80 feet wants to put up a
warehouse facing one of the perpendicular sides. What will be the floor
area of the largest rectangular building that can be erected this way?
Solution:

Given:
Required: maximum area of building
Let A be the area of the warehouse A = xy (1)
We use similar triangle principle to get the second working equation
𝑥 60 3
= =
80−𝑦 80 4
3
𝑥= (80 − 𝑦) (2)
4
3 3
Substitute (2) to (1) A= 80 − 𝑦 𝑦 = (80𝑦 − 𝑦 2 )
4 4

𝑑𝐴 3
Differentiate = 80 − 2𝑦
𝑑𝑦 4

Solve for y 0 = 80 – 2y y = 40 feet

Solve for x x = ¾ (80 – 40) x = 30 feet
Solve for area A = (30)(40) A = 1200 square feet
Example 6
A man on an island 12 km south of a straight beach wishes to
reach a point on shore 20 km east. If a motorboat, making 20 km/hour can
be hired at a rate of $2 per hour for the time it is actually used, and the
cost of land transportation is $0.06 per km, how much must he pay for the
trip?
Solution:

Given:
Required :minimum cost of transportation 𝐶𝑡
Working formula 𝐶𝑡 = 𝐶𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑 + 𝐶𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

$2 1
= ( 20 – x)km ($0.06/km) + 𝑥 2 + 144 𝑘𝑚( )( 𝑘𝑚 )
ℎ𝑟 20
ℎ𝑟

Differentiate

𝑥
0 = −0.06 +
10 𝑥2 +144
𝑥
0.06 =
10 𝑥2 144
Square both sides 0.36 (𝑥 2 +144) = 𝑥 2
0.64 𝑥2 = 0.36(144)
Get square root 0.8 x = 0.6(12) x = ¾ (12) = 9 km
1
Solve for the cost of travel C = (20-9)(0.06) + 81 + 144
10

= $ 0.66 + $ 1.5 C = $ 2.16

Example 7
Find the shortest distance from the point (5, 0) to the curve 2𝑦 2 =
𝑥3

Solution:

We use the distance formula 𝑠 2 = (𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 +(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2

Our second formula is the equation of the curve 2𝑦2 2 = 𝑥2 3
𝑠 2 = (𝑥 − 5)2 + (𝑦 − 0)2
𝑑𝑠
We apply implicit differentiation 2𝑠 = 2(𝑥 − 5) + 2𝑦𝑦 ′ (1)
𝑑𝑥

4yy’ =3𝑥 2 (2)

Equate (1) to zero and substitute (2) to (1)
3𝑥 2
Divide by 2 0 = 2x -10+ 2y
4𝑦

3𝑥2
0=x-5+y( )
4𝑦

0 = 4x – 20 +3𝑥 2
Factoring ( 3x + 10 )( x – 2 ) = 0

2 𝑥3 8
For x = 2, 𝑦 = = =4 𝑦=2
2 2

Solving for shortest distance, 𝑠 2 = (2 − 5)2 +(2 − 0)2

= 9 + 4 = 13 s = 13 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
Example 8 ( Using trigonometric method )
A trapezoidal gutter is to be made, from a strip of metal 22
inches wide, by bending up the edges. If the base is 14 inches wide, what
width across the top gives the greatest carrying capacity?

Solution:
Given:

Required: width w
 Working formula is the area of a trapezoid A = ½ ( a + b ) h
Since we will be solving this problem using trigonometric method we have
introduce the angle 𝜃 and we will express the other quantities in terms of
this angle.
h = 4 cos 𝜗 and x = 4 sin 𝜃

substituting these values A = ½ ( 14 + 14 + 2x ) h

= [ 14 + (4 sin 𝜃 ) ] 4 cos 𝜃
= 8 ( 7 + 2 sin 𝜃) cos 𝜃
 𝑑𝐴
Differentiating = 8[− sin 𝜃(7 + 2 sin 𝜃) + cos 𝜃( 2 cos 𝜃)]
𝑑𝜃

0 = −7 sin 𝜃 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃

0 = −7 sin 𝜃 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 2(1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃)
4𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 7 sin 𝜃 − 2 = 0
1
( 4sin 𝜃 − 1)(sin 𝜃 + 2) = 0 sin 𝜃 =
4

Solving for x, x = 4 sin 𝜃 = 4(1/4) x = 1 inch

Solving for w w = 14 + 2x = 14 + 2 w = 16 inches
Example 9
A wall 10 feet high is 8 feet from a building. Find the length of the
shortest ladder that will reach the house, when one end of the ladder rests
on the ground outside the wall.
Solution:
Given:

Required: L = 𝐿1 + 𝐿2
10 8
sin ∅ = 𝐿2 = 10 csc ∅ 𝑎𝑙𝑠𝑜 cos ∅ = 𝐿1 = 8 sec ∅
𝐿2 𝐿1
Substitute 𝐿 = 8 sec ∅ + 10 csc ∅
𝑑𝐿
Differentiating = 8 sec ∅ tan ∅ − 10 csc ∅ cot ∅
𝑑∅
1 sin ∅ 1 cos ∅
0=8 − 10
cos ∅ cos ∅ sin ∅ sin ∅
10 cos ∅ 8 sin ∅ 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 ∅ 5
= =
𝑠𝑖𝑛2∅ 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 ∅ 𝑐𝑜𝑠3 ∅ 4
5 3 5
𝑡𝑎𝑛3 ∅ = tan ∅ = = 1.077
4 4

∅ = 47.13°
Substitute to formula of L L = 8sec 47.13° + 10 csc 47.13°
= 11.76 + 13.64
L = 25.4 feet
Example 10
A sphere of radius k is dropped into a conical vessel full of water.
Find the volume of the smallest cone that will permit the sphere to be
entirely submerged?
Solution:
Given:

𝜋
Working formula for volume of cone V= 3
𝑟 2ℎ
𝑘 𝑟
Sin ∅ = 𝑎𝑛𝑑 tan ∅ =
ℎ−𝑘 ℎ
Solving for h and r ℎ𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∅ − 𝑘𝑠𝑖𝑛 ∅ = 𝑘
𝑘(sin ∅+1) sin ∅
ℎ= and r = ℎ
sin ∅ cos ∅

𝑘(sin ∅+1) sin ∅ 1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙

r= = 𝑘( )
sin ∅ cos ∅ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙

𝜋 1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 2 𝑘(1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙) 𝜋𝑘 3 (1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙)3

substitute to V V= 𝑘 2( ) =
3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠2 𝜙𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙

𝜋𝑘 3 (1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙)3 𝜋𝑘 3 (1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙)2
simplifying V= =
3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙(1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙)(1−𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙) 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙−𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜙

𝑑𝑉
differentiating =
𝑑𝜙

𝜋𝑘 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙−𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜙 2 1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜑−(1+𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙)2 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙−2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙)

[
3 (𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙−𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜙)2
equating to zero and simplifying
0= 1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜙 − 1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 1 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙
Further simplifying 0 =2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 − 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜙 − 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 + 2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜙
1
3𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 = 1 and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙 =
3

We can use a calculator to get 𝜙 and substitute to our working formulas to

solve for h and r and eventually the volume. However we can also use the
trigonometric relations or the Pythagorean theorem to solve for h and r.

1 8 2 2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙 = 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 ∅ = 1 − = =
9 9 3
 1
𝑘(1+3)
Solving for h h= 1 = 4k
3

1
3 2𝑘
Solving for r r = h tan ∅ = 4k( 2 2
= = 2𝑘
2
3

𝜋
Solving for the volume V = ( 2 k)2 (4𝑘)
3

8𝜋𝑘 3
V= 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑖𝑐 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
3
Solution 2 ( using algebraic method)
For the algebraic method we use the similar triangle principle to
Establish the relation between the radius r and the altitude h
ℎ−𝑘 ℎ2 +𝑟2
=
𝑘 𝑟

cross-multiplying 𝑟ℎ − 𝑟𝑘 = 𝑘 ℎ2 + 𝑟 2
𝑟 ℎ − 𝑘 = 𝑘 ℎ2 + 𝑟 2
Square both sides 𝑟 2(ℎ − 𝑘)2 = 𝑘 2(ℎ2 + 𝑟 2)
𝑟 2 ℎ2 − 2𝑘ℎ + 𝑘 2 − 𝑘 2 = (ℎ𝑘)2
ℎ2 𝑘 2 ℎ𝑘 2
Solve for 𝑟2 𝑟2 = =
ℎ(ℎ−2𝑘) ℎ−2𝑘
 𝜋 ℎ𝑘 2
Substitute to working formula V= ℎ
3 ℎ−2𝑘
𝜋𝑘 2 ℎ2
V=
3 ℎ−2𝑘

𝑑𝑉 𝜋𝑘 2 ℎ−2𝑘 2ℎ−ℎ2
Differentiating =
𝑑ℎ 3 ℎ−2𝑘 2

Equate to zero 0 = ℎ2 − 4𝑘ℎ= h( h – 4k)

Solve for h h = 4k
ℎ𝑘 2 4𝑘 3 2𝑘
Solve for r r= = = = 2𝑘
ℎ−2𝑘 4𝑘−2𝑘 2
𝜋
Solve for volume V= 2𝑘 2 4𝑘
3
8𝜋𝑘3
V= 𝑐𝑢𝑏𝑖𝑐 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
3
EXERCISES
1. The sum of two numbers is c. Find the minimum value of the sum of
their cubes.
2. What will be the maximum area that can be enclosed by fencing a
rectangular field with 100 meters of fencing?

3. 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 24
inches by 15 inches and then turning up the sides.

4. The strength of a rectangular beam is proportional to the breadth and

the square of the depth. Find the cross-sectional area of the strongest
beam that can be cut from a log of diameter 30 cm.
EXERCISES
5. Find the most economical proportions of a cylindrical can of given
volume.

6. A cylindrical glass jar has a plastic cap. If the plastic is half as

expensive as glass, per unit area, find the most economical proportions
for the jar.

7. An island lies 6 km from a straight shoreline and opposite a point 10 km

farther along the shore a ship lies 18 km offshore. A catamaran from the
island will land passengers on the shore and then proceed to the ship.
What is the least distance that the catamaran can travel?

8. Find the shortest distance from point (4, 2) to the curve 𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 12.
EXERCISES
9. Cut the largest possible rectangle from a circular quadrant.

10. Find the circular cone of maximum volume inscribed in a sphere of

radius 9 cm.

11. A man on an island 10 km south of a straight beach wishes to reach a

point on the shore 12 km east of his present position. If he can row 2
km per hour and walk 5 km per hour, in what direction should he row to
reach his destination as soon as possible?

12. Find the greatest volume that a right circular cone can have if it is
inscribed in a sphere of radius k.
EXERCISES
13. An open irrigation ditch of given cross-sectional area is to be lined with
concrete to prevent seepage. If the two equal sides are perpendicular
to the flat bottom, Find the relative dimensions that require the least
concrete.

14. Find the dimensions of the rectangle of greatest area that can be
inscribed in the region in the region bounded by the curve 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 9
and the coordinate axes.

15. A wire of length 10 cm is cut into two pieces, one of which is bent into
the shape of an equilateral triangle and the other into the shape of the
circle. Find the length of each piece so that the sum of the enclosed areas
is a minimum.
EXERCISES
16. Find the lengths of the sides of an isosceles triangle with a given
perimeter If its area is to be as great as possible.

17. A sphere is cut in the shape of a circular cone. How much of the
material can be saved?

18. A poster is to contain 36 square inches of print. The margins at the top
and bottom are 2 inches, and at the sides 1 inch. Find the most economical
proportions for the page.
END OF SLIDE