PROJECT TITLE: Optimization of a Rectangular Garden using
Differentiation
Stage 1: Problem Identification
1.1 Description of the problem:
A farmer wants to fence a rectangular garden with a fixed perimeter of
100 meters. The farmer wants to maximize the area of the garden. How
can the farmer determine the optimal dimensions of the garden?
1.2 Brief statement of intent:
The project intends to use differentiation to find the maximum area of
the rectangular garden, given the fixed perimeter.The project aims to
use differentiation to optimize the area of a rectangular garden, given a
fixed perimeter, and to demonstrate the application of calculus in real-
world problems.
1.3 Design/Project specification or parameters:
The project should include the use of differentiation to find the
maximum area, and the analysis of the results to determine the optimal
dimensions of the garden.
Let's denote the length of the garden as L and the width as W. The
perimeter P is given by:
P = 2L + 2W = 100
We can express W in terms of L:
W = 50 - L
The area A of the garden is given by:
A = LW
= L(50 - L)
= 50L - L^2
Stage 2: Investigations of Related Ideas
2.1 Evidence of related ideas:
1. Maxima and Minima: Differentiation can be used to find the
maximum or minimum values of a function.
2. Optimization: Calculus can be used to optimize real-world problems,
such as maximizing area or minimizing cost.
3. Geometric Interpretation: The derivative of a function can be
interpreted geometrically as the slope of the tangent line to the curve.
2.2 Analysis of ideas:
Merits:
- Maxima and Minima: Can be used to find the maximum area of the
garden.
- Optimization: Can be used to solve real-world problems, such as
maximizing area or minimizing cost.
- Geometric Interpretation: Can help to visualize the problem and
understand the solution.
Demerits:
- Maxima and Minima: May require complex calculations, especially for
complicated functions.
- Optimization: May not always result in a unique solution.
- Geometric Interpretation: May not be applicable to all types of
problems.
2.3 Overall quality of presentation:
The ideas are presented clearly and concisely, with relevant merits and
demerits.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas/Possible Solutions
3.1 Evidence of possible solutions:
1. Using Differentiation: Use differentiation to find the maximum area
of the garden.
2. Graphical Method: Use a graphical approach to visualize the problem
and find the maximum area.
3. Trial and Error: Use trial and error to find the optimal dimensions of
the garden.
3.2 Merits:
- Using Differentiation: Can provide an exact solution and is efficient.
- Graphical Method: Can provide a visual representation of the problem
and help to understand the solution.
- Trial and Error: Can be simple and easy to implement.
Demerits:
- Using Differentiation: May require complex calculations, especially for
complicated functions.
- Graphical Method: May not provide an exact solution and can be
time-consuming.
- Trial and Error: May not result in an optimal solution and can be time-
consuming.
Stage 4: SELECTING THE MOST SUITABLE SOLUTION
The chosen idea is Using Differentiation.
Justification of choice: Differentiation can provide an exact solution
and is efficient. It is also a powerful tool for solving optimization
problems.
STAGE 5:REFINEMENT OF CHOSEN SOLUTION
4.3 Developments/refinements:
1. Find the second derivative to ensure that the solution is a maximum:
Stage 6: Presentation of the Final Solution
The final solution is a report on the optimization of the rectangular
garden using differentiation.
Use differentiation to find the maximum area of the garden:
This confirms that L = 25 corresponds to a maximum.
Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations
6.1 Relevance to Statement of Intent:
The final solution meets the original statement of intent effectively
6.2 Challenges Encountered:
Challenges include ensuring that the calculations are accurate and
interpreting the results correctly.
6.3 Recommendations:
Future developments could include using calculus to optimize other
real-world problems, such as minimizing cost or maximizing profit.
Additionally, the farmer could consider other factors that may affect
the garden's yield, such as soil quality, sunlight, and watering.
In conclusion, the project demonstrates the power of calculus in solving
real-world optimization problems. By using differentiation, we were
able to find the maximum area of the rectangular garden, given a fixed
perimeter. The optimal dimensions of the garden are L = 25 meters and
W = 25 meters, resulting in a maximum area of 625 square meters.
