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A rectangular storage container with an open top is to have a volume of 20 cubic meters. The length of its base is twice the width. Material for the base costs 20 dollars per square meter. Material for the sides costs 7 dollars per square meter. Find the cost of materials for the cheapest such container.

Verified Answer :

The volume of a rectangular box is calculated by multiplying the length, width and the height of the box. For this case, it is written as:

20 = lwh

From the problem statement, the length of its base is twice the width. Making the expression for volume.

20 = (2w)wh = 2(w^2)(h)
h = 
10/(w^2)

Side A: l h = (2w)(10/(w^2)) = 20/w

Side B: w
h = w(10/(w^2)) = 10/w


Base = l
w = 2ww = 2w^2

Total Area of Side A: 2
(20/w) = 40/w

Total Area of Side B: 2 (10/w) = 20/w

Total Area = (40/w)+(20/w) + 2w^2 = 60/w + 2w^2

 
Total area weighted cost = 7
(60/w) + 20(2w^2) = 420/w + 40w^2

 
Find the critical point: 1. Take derivative. 2. Set to zero. 3. Solve for w.
   
Derivative = 80w - (420/(w^2)) = 0

80w = 420/w^2 --> 80w^3 = 420

w^3 = 420/80

w = apprx (1.738)

 
Re-input into cost formula: 420/1.738 + 40
(1.738)^2 = apprx (362.48)