Exam-Style Question on Differentiation OptimisationA mathematics exam-style question with a worked solution that can be revealed gradually |
Question id: 110. This question is similar to one that appeared on an IB Studies paper in 2014. The use of a calculator is allowed.
A package is in the shape of a cuboid and has a length \(l\) cm, width \(w\) cm and height of 12 cm.
(a) Express the volume of the package in terms of \(l\) and \(w\).
The total volume of the package is 2400 cm3.
(b) Show that \(l=\frac{200}{w}\).
The package is tied up using a length of red string that fits exactly around the package in two different directions, as shown in the following diagram (not to scale).
(c) Show that the length of string, \(x\)cm, required to tie up the package can be written as \(24+4w+\frac{400}{w}\)
(d) Sketch the graph of \(x\) for \(0\lt w \le 12\), clearly showing the local minimum point.
(e) Find \(\frac{dx}{dw}\).
(f) Find the value of \(w\) for which \(x\) is a minimum.
(g) Find the value, \(l\), of the package for which the length of string is a minimum.
(h) Find the minimum length of string required to tie up the package.
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