Chelsey H.

asked • 08/31/20

Please help with open box problem

An open-box is made from a rectangular material of dimensions a=8 inches by b=5 inches by cutting a square of side x at each corner and turning up the sides. Determine the value of x that results in a box the masimum value.

1)express the volume V as a function of x: V=

2)determine the domain of the function V of x(in interval form):

3)expand the function V for easier differentiation: V=

4)find the derivative of the function of V: V’=

5)find the critical point(s) it the domain V:

6) the Value of V at the left endpoint is:

7) the value of V at the right endpoint is:

8) the maximum volume is V=

9) answer the original question. The value of x that maximizes the volume is:

Kevin S.

tutor
Looks like it's pretty much laid out for you. Which part are you stuck on? I'll get you started with the beginning, which is the hard part. You HAVE to draw it as it comes: Draw a rectangle like it says, one side 8 and one 5. Draw a square in each corner, length x. Then the new sides are 8-2x and 5-2x. When you fold up, you can see the box will have height x. Volume is those three multiplied.
Report

08/31/20

Tom K.

Great comments, Kevin. A hint on item 2. Note that the length, width, and height must be non-negative.
Report

08/31/20

Doug C.

And 5-2x > 0, otherwise no box. Here is a Desmos function showing the graph of V(x) along with a table of values for the volume for several different values of x. desmos.com/calculator/0otgwnnpbm
Report

08/31/20

1 Expert Answer

By:

Gilberto S.

Just a small correction: 3 1/3 won't work. If you think about it, one side of the rectangle is only 5 inches so it isn't big enough to remove two squares measuring 3 1/3 inches.
Report

08/31/20

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.