z = (½ k)2 + (½ k)2 y = (3/2)(0.

8685)2
Problem 1 What number exceeds its square by the maximum 2
z=½k y = 1.1315
amount?
Problem 4 The sum of two numbers is k. Find the minimum value z = 0.86853 + 1.13152
Solution:
of the sum of their cubes. z = 1.9354 answer
Let
x = the number and Solution:
x2 = the square of the number Let
Problem 6
y = the difference between x and x2 x and y = the numbers
z = sum of their cubes Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of one to the
y = x - x2
y' = 1 - 2x = 0 square of the other is to be a minimum.
k=x+y
x = ½ answer y=k-x Solution:

Problem 2 What positive number added to its reciprocal gives the Let x and y = the numbers
z = x3 + y3
minimum sum? z = x3 + (k - x)3 x+y=a
dz/dx = 3x2 + 3(k - x)2(-1) = 0 x=a-y
Solution:
x2 - (k2 - 2kx + x2) = 0
Let z = xy2
x=½k
x = the required positive number and
z = (a - y) y2
1/x = the reciprocal of the number y=k-½k z = ay2 - y3
y = sum of x and 1/x
y=½k dz/dy = 2ay - 3y2 = 0
y = x + 1/x y = 2/3 a
z = (½ k)3 + (½ k)3
y = x + x-1
z = ¼ k3 x = a - 2/3 a
y' = 1 - x-2 = 0
x = 1/3 a
x = 1 answer Problem 5
The numbers are 1/3 a, and 2/3 a. answer
Problem 3 The sum of two numbers is k. Find the minimum value The sum of two positive numbers is 2. Find the smallest value
of the sum of their squares. possible for the sum of the cube of one number and the square of Problem 7
the other.
Solution: Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of one by the
Let Solution 5 cube of the other is to be a maximum.
x and y = the numbers Let x and y = the numbers
z = sum of their squares Solution:
x+y=2 Equation (1) Let x and y the numbers
k=x+y 1 + y' = 0
y=k–x x+y=a
y' = -1
x=a-y
z = x2 + y2 z = x3 + y2 Equation (2)
z = x2 + (k - x)2 z = xy3
dz/dx = 3x2 + 2y y' = 0
dz/dx = 2x + 2(k - x)(-1) = 0 z = (a - y) y3
3x2 + 2y(-1) = 0
2x - k = 0 z = ay3 - y4
y = (3/2) x2
x=½k dz/dy = 3ay2 - 4y3 = 0
From Equation (1) y2 (3a - 4y) = 0
y=k-½k 2
x + (3/2) x = 2 y = 0 (absurd) and 3/4 a (use)
y=½k
2x + 3x2 = 4
x = a - 3/4 a
3x2 + 2x - 4 = 0
x = 1/4 a
x = 0.8685 & -1.5352
use x = 0.8685 The numbers are 1/4 a and 3/4 a. answer
 off for k dollars.

Problem 8 Problem 10

Find two numbers whose sum is a, if the product of the square of
one by the cube of the other is to be a maximum.
Solution:
Let x and y the numbers
A rectangular field of given area is to be fenced off along the bank Solution:
of a river. If no fence is needed along the river, what is the shape Total cost:
of the rectangle requiring the least amount of fencing?

x+y=a Solution:
1 + y' = 0
y = -1

z = x2 y3
Area:
dz/dx = x2 (3y2 y') + 2xy3 = 0
3x(-1) + 2y = 0
x = 2/3 y

2/3 y + y = a
5/3 y = a Area:

y = 3/5 a

x = 2/3 (3/5 a)
x = 2/5 a

The numbers are 2/5 a and 3/5 a. answer

Perimeter:

Problem 9

What should be the shape of a rectangular field of a given area, if

it is to be enclosed by the least amount of fencing?

width = ½ × length answer

Solution:
Area: Problem 11

A rectangular lot is to be fenced off along a highway. If the fence

on the highway costs m dollars per yard, on the other sides n
dollars per yard, find the area of the largest lot that can be fenced

Perimeter:
answer

(a square) answer
Problem 12 Solution:

A rectangular field of fixed area is to be enclosed and divided into

three lots by parallels to one of the sides. What should be the
answer
relative dimensions of the field to make the amount of fencing
minimum?
Problem 14

A rectangular lot is bounded at the back by a river. No fence is

Solution
needed along the river and there is to be 24-ft opening in front. If
Area:
the fence along the front costs $1.50 per foot, along the sides $1
per foot, find the dimensions of the largest lot which can be thus
fenced in for $300.

Solution
Total
Fence:
cost:

using quadratic formula

Area:

width = ½ × length answer

Problem 13

Do Ex. 12 with the words "three lots" replaced by "five lots".

use x = 1.5 inches

Solution
Area:
Maximum volume:

answer

Dimensions: 84 ft × 112 ft answer

Fence: Problem 15
A box is to be made of a piece of cardboard 9 inches square by
cutting equal squares out of the corners and turning up the sides.
Find the volume of the largest box that can be made in this way.
Problem 16
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 15 inches by 24 inches, and then turning up the sides.

Solution:
 Strength:

and

answer

If a = b: Problem 19

From
The stiffness of a rectangular beam is proportional to the breadth
and the cube of the depth. Find the shape of the stiffest beam that
answer
can be cut from a log of given size.
(x is equal to ½ of 6b - meaningless)

From
Problem 17
Solution:

Find the depth of the largest box that can be made by cutting Diameter is given (log of given size),

equal squares of side x out of the corners of a piece of cardboard ok thus D is constant
of dimensions 6a, 6b, (b ≤ a), and then turning up the sides. To
select that value of x which yields a maximum volume, show that
Use answer

Problem 18

The strength of a rectangular beam is proportional to the breadth

and the square of the depth. Find the shape of the largest beam
Stiffness:
Solution: that can be cut from a log of given size.

Solution:
Diameter is given (log of given size),
thus D is constant
 answer Solution: Solution:
Diameter D is constant (circle is given) Given Volume:

Problem 20

Compare for strength and stiffness both edgewise and sidewise

thrust, two beams of equal length, 2 inches by 8 inches and the
other 4 inches by 6 inches (See Problem 18 and Problem 19
Perimeter Total Area:
above). Which shape is more often used for floor joist? Why?

Solution:
Strength, S = bd2
Stiffness, k = bd3 The largest rectangle is a square answer

Problem 22

For 2" × 8": If the hypotenuse of the right triangle is given, show that the area altitude = 3/2 × shorter side of base answer
is maximum when the triangle is isosceles.
Oriented such that the breadth is 2"
S = 8(22) = 32 in3
Problem 24
k = 8(23) = 64 in4
Solution:
Solve Problem 23 if the box has an open top.
Oriented such that the breadth is 8"
S = 2(82) = 128 in3
k = 2(83) = 1024 in4
Solution:
Given Volume:

For 4" × 6": Area:

Oriented such that the breadth is 6"

S = 6(42) = 96 in3
k = 6(43) = 384 in4

Oriented such that the breadth is 4"

S = 4(62) = 144 in3 Area:

k = 4(63) = 864 in4

The triangle is an isosceles right triangle answer

Strength wise and stiffness wise, 4" × 6" is more preferable.

Economic wise, 2" × 8" is more preferable.
Problem 23
Problem 21
Find the most economical proportions for a covered box of fixed
Find the rectangle of maximum perimeter inscribed in a given volume whose base is a rectangle with one side three times as altitude = 3/4 × shorter side of base answer
circle. long as the other.
 Area (open one end): Problem 28

Problem 25 The perimeter of an isosceles triangle is P inches. Find the

maximum area.
Find the most economical proportions of a quart can.

Solution:
Solution:
Perimeter:
Volume:

But ½ d = radius, r
r=h Area:
radius = height answer

Total area (closed both ends): From the figure:

Problem 27

Find the most economical proportions for a box with an open top
and a square base.

Solution:
Volume:

multiply both sides of the equation by

diameter = height answer

Problem 26 Area:

Find the most economical proportions for a cylindrical cup.

Solving for y by quadratic formula:

a = 2; b = -x; c = -x2
Solution:
Volume:

side of base = 2 × altitude answer

 From the figure:

Solution:

y = -½ x is absurd, thus use y = x

Volume

Therefore Volume of cylinder:

For 2x = 0; x = 0 (meaningless)

For a - 6x = 0; x = 1/6 a

Use x = 1/6 a

answer

Problem 31
answer
In Problem 30 above, find the shape of the circular cylinder if its
convex surface area is to be a maximum.
Problem 30
answer
Find the proportion of the circular cylinder of largest volume that Solution:
Problem 29 can be inscribed in a given sphere. Convex surface area (shaded area):

The sum of the length and girth of a container of square cross

section is a inches. Find the maximum volume. Solution:
From Solution to Problem 30 above, dh/dd = -d/h

dimensions: ½ a × ½b answer

dimensions: 50 ft × 24 ft answer
Problem 33

A lot has the form of a right triangle, with perpendicular sides 60

and 80 feet long. Find the length and width of the largest Problem 34
rectangular building that can be erected, facing the hypotenuse of
answer Solve Problem 34 above if the lengths of the perpendicular sides
the triangle.
are a, b.
Problem 32

Find the dimension of the largest rectangular building that can be Solution:
placed on a right-triangular lot, facing one of the perpendicular Solution:
Area:
sides. Area:

Solution: By similar
Area: By similar triangle:
triangle:

From the figure:

Thus,
Thus, Light is most if area is maximum:

breadth = height answer

Problem 37

Solve Problem 36 above if the semicircle is stained glass

dimensions: 6 in × 9 in answer
admitting only half the normal amount of light.

Problem 36 Solution:

A Norman window consists of a rectangle surmounted by a From Solution of Problem 36

Dimensions:
semicircle. What shape gives the most light for the given
perimeter?
answer

Problem 35 Solution:
Given perimeter: Half amount of light is equivalent to half of the area.
A page is to contain 24 sq. in. of print. The margins at top and
bottom are 1.5 in., at the sides 1 in. Find the most economical
dimensions of the page.

Where:

Solution:
Print Area: thus, r = ½ b

Page area:

answer
Problem 38 maximum carrying capacity? Problem 41

A cylindrical glass jar has a plastic top. If the plastic is half as In Problem 39, if the strip is L in. wide, and the width across the
expensive as glass, per unit area, find the most economical top is T in. (T < L), what base width gives the maximum capacity?
Solution:
proportion of the jar.

Solution:
Solution:
Volume:

Let
m = price per unit area of glass
½ m = price per unit area of plastic
k = total material cost per jar

Capacity is maximum if area is maximum:

Area:

(take note that

a is constant)

(note that L and T are constant)

height = 3/2 × radius of base answer

Problem 39

A trapezoidal gutter is to be made For b + a = 0; b = -a (meaningless)

from a strip of tin by bending up For b - 2a = 0; b = 2a (ok)
the edges. If the cross-section has
use b = 2a answer
the form shown in Fig. 38, what
width across the top gives base = 1/3 × length of strip answer
 Problem 43

Problem 42
From a strip of tin 14 inches a trapezoidal gutter is to be made by
bending up the sides at an angle of 45°. Find the width of the
base for greatest carrying capacity.
A ship lies 6 miles from shore, and opposite a point 10 miles
farther along the shore another ship lies 18 miles offshore. A boat
from the first ship is to land a passenger and then proceed to the
For 2x - 5 = 0; x = 5/2
other ship. What is the least distance the boat can travel?
For x + 5 = 0; x = -5 (meaningless)
Use x = 5/2 = 2.5 mi

Solution:
Solution:

answer

Problem 44

Two posts, one 8 feet high and the other 12 feet high, stand 15 ft
apart. They are to be supported by wires attached to a single
stake at ground level. The wires running to the tops of the posts.
Where should the stake be placed, to use the least amount of
wire?

Solution:

Total Distance:
Area:

Total length of wire:

answer
For x + 30 = 0; x = -30 (meaningless)
For x - 6 = 0; x = 6 (ok)
By Quadratic Formula:
use x = 6 ft
A = a2 - b2; B = -2a2c; C = a2c2

location of stake: 6 ft from the shorter post answer

Problem 45

A ray of light travels,

as in Fig. 39, from A
to B via the point P
on the mirror CD.
Prove that the length
(AP + PB) will be a
minimum if and only
if α = β.
For

Solution:

meaningless if a > b

For tan α = tan β

thus, α = β (ok!)
Total distance traveled
by light:

ok

Use

when S is minimum:
Problem 46 Problem 48

Given point on the conjugate axis of an equilateral hyperbola, find Problem 47 Find the shortest distance from the point (5, 0) to the curve 2y2 =
the shortest distance to the curve. x3.
Find the point on the curve a2 y = x3 that is nearest the point (4a,
0).

Solution:

Solution:

from

from
Solution:
Standard equation:

For equilateral hyperbola, b = a.

Distance d:

For 3x + 10 = 0; x = -10/3 (meaningless)

For x - 2 = 0; x = 2 (ok)
use x = 2

answer

Another Solution:
by trial and error: Differentiate

Nearest Distance: the nearest point is (a, a) answer

slope of tangent at any point

answer
Thus, the slope of normal at any point is
Equation of normal:

y = -8/3 a is meaningless, use y = 2a

the same equation as above

(ok)

Problem 49
answer

Find the shortest distance from the point (0, 8a) to the curve ax2 =
Problem 50
y3.
Find the shortest distance from the point (4, 2) to the ellipse x2 +
3y2 = 12. By trial and error
Solution:
Solution:

The nearest point is (3, 1)

From
Nearest distance:

answer

from
Another Solution:

slope of tangent at any point

Thus, slope of normal at any point is

Equation of normal:

slope of tangent at any point Area of rectangle

Thus, slope of normal at any point is

the same Equation of normal:

equation as above (ok)

Problem 51

Find the shortest distance from the point (1 + n, 0) to the curve y =

xn, n > 0. ;
Solution:

By trial and error

by inspection: x = 1
Nearest point on the curve is (3, 3) for

Shortest distance
1 raise to any positive number
is 1 (meaningless)
answer
answer
Problem 53
Cut the largest possible rectangle from a circular quadrant, as for
Problem 52 shown in Fig. 40.

Find the shortest distance from the point (0, 5) to the ellipse 3y2 =
x3. Solution:
Solution: answer
Problem 54 Solution:
Let
A cylindrical tin boiler, open at the top, has a copper bottom. If Problem 55
k = unit price
sheet copper is m times as expensive as tin, per unit area, find
Solve Problem 54 above if the boiler is to have a tin cover. of pine
the most economical proportions.
Deduce the answer directly from the solution of Problem 54. mk = unit
price of oak
C = total
Solution:
Solution: cost

Volume of the square box:

Let
k = cost per unit area of tin
mk = cost per unit area of copper
C = total cost

Total cost:

Volume

Volume

answer

Problem 57

A silo consists of a cylinder surmounted by a hemisphere. If the

floor, walls, and roof are equally expensive per unit area, find the
most economical
proportion.
height = (m + 1) × radius answer

Problem 56
Solution:
The base of a covered box is a square. The bottom and back are
Let
made of pine, the remainder of oak. If oak is m times as
k = unit price
expensive as pine, find the most economical proportion.

height = m × radius answer

Total cost: 2k = unit price of floor An oil can consists of a cylinder surmounted by a cone. If the
3k = unit price of roof diameter of the cone is five-sixths of its height, find the most
economical proportions.

Total cost:
Solution:
Area of the floor

Volume of silo = volume of cylinder + volume of hemisphere: Area of cylindrical wall

Volume of silo = volume of cylinder + volume of hemisphere:

Area of conical roof:

Total area:

total height = diameter answer

Problem 58

For the silo of Problem 57, find the most economical proportions,
if the floor is twice as expensive as the walls, per unit area, and
the roof is three times as expensive as the walls, per unit area.

diameter = 2/7 × total height answer

Solution:
Let
Problem 59
k = unit price of wall
Volume = volume of cylinder + volume of cone By double angle formula: sin 2α = cos2 α - sin2 α:

Area:

height of cone = 2 × height of cylinder answer

answer

Problem 60

One corner of a leaf of width a is folded over so as just to reach Problem 61

the opposite side of the page. Find the width of the part folded
Solve Problem 60 above if the area folded over is to be a answer
over when the length of the crease is a minimum. See Figure 41.
minimum.
Problem 62

Solution: From Inscribe a circular cylinder of maximum convex surface area in a

the figure: Solution: given circular cone.

From the solution of Problem 60 above:

Solution:
By similar triangle:

Thus,
Convex surface area of the cylinder: Problem 64 Solution:

A sphere is cut to the shape of a circular cone. How much of the

material can be saved? (SeeProblem 63)

Solution:
Volume of sphere or radius a:
The cone is given, thus H and D are constant

Volume of cone of radius r and altitude h: Volume of cone:

diameter of cylinder = radius of cone answer

From the solution of Problem 63: By similar triangle:
Problem 63

Find the circular cone of maximum volume inscribed in a sphere

of radius a.

Solution:
Volume of the cone:

From the figure: Thus,

answer

The sphere is given, thus radius a is constant.

Problem 65

Find the circular cone of minimum volume circumscribed about a

sphere of radius a. altitude of the cone = 4 × the radius of the sphere, a
answer
altitude of cone = 4/3 of radius of sphere answer
Another Solution:
For a circle inscribed in a
triangle, its center is at the
point of intersection of the
angular bisector of the
triangle called
theincenter (see figure).

For the problem: (ok!)

altitude of pyramid = 4/3 × radius of sphere, a answer
Problem 66

Find the largest right pyramid with a square base that can be
Problem 67
inscribed in a sphere of radius a.
From the figure:
An Indian tepee is made by stretching skins or birch bark over a
group of poles tied together at the top. If poles of given length are
to be used, what shape gives maximum volume?

Solution:

/>From the figure:

The length of pole is

given, thus L is
constant

Solution:
Volume of pyramid:

Thus, Volume of tepee:

From the figure:

r^2 = 2h Problem 69
answer
A man on an island 12 miles south of a straight beach wishes to
answer reach a point on shore 20 miles east. If a motorboat, making 20
miles per hour, can be hired at the rate
Problem 70
of
Problem 68 A man in a motorboat at A
0.06 per mile, how much must he pay for the trip? (Figure 42) receives a
Solve Problem 67 above if poles of any length can be found, but
message at noon calling him
only limited amount of covering material is available.
to B. A bus making 40 miles
per hour leaves C, bound for
B, at 1:00 PM. If AC = 40
Solution:
miles, what must be the speed of the boat to enable the man to
Area of covering material:
catch the bus.
where

Solution:

Solution:
Distance traveled by boat:
distance =
speed × time

Note: time = distance/speed

Volume of tepee:

Total cost of travel:

answer
answer
Problem 71 Solution: where h is the height of the particle above the plane of the circle.
Find h, for maximum attraction. (Compare with Problem 72 above)
In Problem 70, if the speed of the boat is 30 miles per hour, what
is the greatest distance offshore from which the bus can be
caught? From the figure:
Solution:
Attraction:

Solution:
By Pythagorean
Theorem:

answer

answer Problem 74
In Problem 73 above, if the wire has instead the form of a square
Problem 72
of side , the attraction is proportional to
A light is to be placed above the center of a circular area of radius
a. What height gives the best illumination on a circular walk
surrounding the area? (When light from a point source strikes a
surface obliquely, the intensity of illumination is Find h for maximum attraction.
Thus,

Solution:
where θ is the angle of incidence and d the distance from the
source.)
answer

Problem 73

It is shown in the theory of attraction that a wire bent in the form of

a circle of radius a exerts upon a particle in the axis of the circle
(i.e., in the line through the center of the circle perpendicular to
the plane) an attraction proportional to
Use

answer