§4.
5 Optimization Problems, Page 1
Guidelines for Constrained Optimization Problems
1. Read the problem carefully, identify the variables, and sketch a relevant picture.
2. Identify the objective function to be optimized and the constraint equation.
3. Use the constraint equation to eliminate all but one variable in the objective function.
4. Find the interval of interest for the remaining independent variable.
5. Use methods of calculus to find the absolute maximum or minimum value of the function on
the interval of interest. If necessary, check the endpoints.
Lecture Examples
1. Which point on the line y = −2x + 2 is closest to the origin?
p
Goal: We want to minimize distance: d = (x1 − x2 )2 + (y1 − y2 )2
§4.5 Optimization Problems, Page 2
2. Find the point on the parabola y 2 = 2x that is closest to the point (1, 4).
3. Find the dimensions of a rectangle with area 1000 m2 whose perimeter is as small as possible.
§4.5 Optimization Problems, Page 3
4. Find the area of the largest rectangle that can be inscribed in a semicircle of radius of 1 foot.
5. A rectangle has its base on the x-axis, a vertex on the y-axis, and a vertex on the curve
2
y = e−x . Find the coordinates of the vertices that gives the rectangle with the largest area.
§4.5 Optimization Problems, Page 4
6. A rancher has 400 feet of fence for constructing a rectangular corral split into 3 pens, with
one side to be formed by a barn and requires no fence (see figure). What are the dimensions
of the corral that maximize the enclosed area?
7. A rectangular flower garden with an area of 30 m2 is surrounded by a grass border that is 1
meter wide on two sides and 2 meters wide on the other sides (see figure). What dimensions
of the flower garden minimize the combined area of the garden and grass borders?
§4.5 Optimization Problems, Page 5
8. A farmer wants to fence a rectangular area as inexpensively as possible. Suppose that fencing
materials cost $25 per foot. If 100 square feet must be enclosed, what is the least possible
cost?
9. We want to find the dimensions of the most economical storage shed. It must have a square
base with a volume of 350 cubic feet. The concrete for the base costs 8$ per square foot, the
material for the roof costs 4$ per square foot, and the material for the sides costs 5$ per
square foot. Round to two decimal places as needed.
§4.5 Optimization Problems, Page 6
10. A piece of wire 100 cm long is going to be cut into several pieces and used to construct the
skeleton of a rectangular box with a square base. What are the dimensions of the box with
the largest surface area?
11. A cylindrical can is to be made to hold 1000 cm3 (1 liter) of oil. Find the dimensions that will
minimize the amount of metal to manufacture the can. Round to two decimal places as
needed.
