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problem solving question

Stuck on this question, I think i have to differentiate something but am struggling to form an equation. Help appreciated!

A rectangular sheet of cardboard measures 24 cm by 15 cm. Equal squares of side x cm are removed from each corner of the rectangle. The edges are then turned up to make an open box of volume V cm^3.

Find the maximum possible volume of the box and the corresponding value of x.
Original post by fiftythree
Stuck on this question, I think i have to differentiate something but am struggling to form an equation. Help appreciated!

A rectangular sheet of cardboard measures 24 cm by 15 cm. Equal squares of side x cm are removed from each corner of the rectangle. The edges are then turned up to make an open box of volume V cm^3.

Find the maximum possible volume of the box and the corresponding value of x.

You need to form an equation for the volume of the box, then differentiate it, w.r.t. x, to find the maxima.

Have you sketched this?
If you remove x from every corner, what are the dimensions of the base of the (open) box? (Hint: you take x away at each end of every side)
What is its height?

Please post you expression for V.
Another hint. x cannot be greater than 7.5, or less than 0. Can you see why?

Than value of x for which the volumes is maximised is an integer, so, check your working if you don't get one.
(edited 4 years ago)
Reply 3
Original post by RogerOxon
Another hint. x cannot be greater than 7.5, or less than 0. Can you see why?

Than value of x for which the volumes is maximised is an integer, so, check your working if you don't get one.

Ok so i got an expression for V
V=((24-2x)(15-2x))*(15+x)
Is this correct?
It's optimisation. You need an equation that models the volume as the edges are cut. Then differentiate that and then get the local max.
Original post by fiftythree
Ok so i got an expression for V
V=((24-2x)(15-2x))*(15+x)
Is this correct?

Almost. Check the height of the box.
Reply 6
Original post by RogerOxon
Almost. Check the height of the box.

Idk about the height, here is my sketch though. Cant really visualise it
Original post by fiftythree
Idk about the height, here is my sketch though. Cant really visualise it

Draw the flat rectangle, with the corners cut. Can you see the height now?
Reply 8
Original post by RogerOxon
Draw the flat rectangle, with the corners cut. Can you see the height now?

is it 15-2x
Original post by fiftythree
is it 15-2x

No. Imagine folding along the dotted lines:
Rectangle.jpg
Can you see what the height is now?
Original post by RogerOxon
No. Imagine folding along the dotted lines:
Rectangle.jpg
Can you see what the height is now?

Its just x. thanks a lot for helping me out I got it now.
(edited 4 years ago)

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