Optimization help: minimizing cost of container

dvdman2k

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Apr 22, 2007
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I'm having some trouble with this problem. Every time I try it I reach a certain point and then it's like I hit a brick wall of sorts.

A rectangular storage container with an open top is to have a volume of 15 cm^3. The length of its base is twice the width. Material for the base costs $15 per square meter. Material for the sides costs $6 per square meter. Find the cost of materials for the cheapest such container.
 
A rectangular storage container with an open top is to have a volume of 15 cm^3

LWH = 15

The length of its base is twice the width.

L = 2W

so ... (2W)WH = 15

2W<sup>2</sup>H = 15

H = 15/(2W<sup>2</sup>)

Material for the base costs $15 per square meter.

base cost = 15(LW) = 15(2W*W) = 30W<sup>2</sup>

Material for the sides costs $6 per square meter.

two sides of area LH ... cost = 6*2*LH = 12(2W)[15/(2W<sup>2</sup>)] = 180/W

two sides of area WH ... cost = 6*2*WH = 12(W)[15/(2W<sup>2</sup>)] = 90/W

so, total cost is ...

C = 30W<sup>2</sup> + 180/W + 90/W

C = 30W<sup>2</sup> + 270/W = 30(W<sup>2</sup> + 9/W)

find dC/dW and find the value of W that minimizes the cost, then determine L, H, and the minimum cost.
 
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