Maths optimisation question

Why would a cylindrical soft drink can manufacturer not choose to manufacture a can with minimum surface area? Make reference to the shape of the can (cylinder).
Given that the can must have a capacity of 500ml. Thanks.

Original post by ingrammolly246

Why would a cylindrical soft drink can manufacturer not choose to manufacture a can with minimum surface area? Make reference to the shape of the can (cylinder).
Given that the can must have a capacity of 500ml. Thanks.

Have you tried anything?

Reply 2

SaMarlo

5

Original post by ingrammolly246

Why would a cylindrical soft drink can manufacturer not choose to manufacture a can with minimum surface area? Make reference to the shape of the can (cylinder).
Given that the can must have a capacity of 500ml. Thanks.

It doesn't feel as if this is the entire question?

And in terms of the worded part, consider the manufacturers intentions.

Reply 3

old_engineer

11

Original post by ingrammolly246

Why would a cylindrical soft drink can manufacturer not choose to manufacture a can with minimum surface area? Make reference to the shape of the can (cylinder).
Given that the can must have a capacity of 500ml. Thanks.

You have to look at this from the point of view of the manufacturer if the cylinder with minimised surface area turned out to be either much thinner and taller than a conventional drinks can, or much shorter and wider. For example, a short and wide drinks can might be difficult to hold. A tall and thin drinks can might be too easily knocked over. You need to consider the practical problems (usability) as well as, possibly, storage, distribution, and marketability of something that may look unfamiliar in terms of shape.

If this is just a one point sub-question, then one properly (and briefly) explained reason will be sufficient.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 4

DFranklin

18

Original post by old_engineer

You have to look at this from the point of view of the manufacturer if the cylinder with minimised surface area turned out to be either much thinner and taller than a conventional drinks can, or much shorter and wider. For example, a short and wide drinks can might be difficult to hold. A tall and thin drinks can might be too easily knocked over. You need to consider the practical problems (usability) as well as, possibly, storage, distribution, and marketability of something that may look unfamiliar in terms of shape.

If this is just a one point sub-question, then one properly (and briefly) explained reason will be sufficient.

Unless you've already found an expression for the shape, this would seem quite a lot of work for a 1 point question. (That said, your first paragraph is undoubtedly correct).

If you actually find the dimensions, I think it's arguable that a minimal cylinder shape would be acceptable, although it's borderline. (There are drinks sold in cans of similar shape but slightly different capacity).

Maths optimisation question

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