Question

A box with a square base and open top must have a volume of 97556 c m 3 cm3 . We wish to find the dimensions of the box that minimize the amount of material used. First, find a formula for the surface area of the box in terms of only x x , the length of one side of the square base. [Hint: use the volume formula to express the height of the box in terms of x x .] Simplify your formula as much as possible.

Answer 1

Answer:

S(x)  =  x²  +  390224/x

Step-by-step explanation:

Volume of the open box  =   V  = 97556 cm³

Material needed:

Let´s call x the side of the square base then  the  area of the base is

A(b) = x²

For the sides of the box, we have 4 sides each one with area of x*h

where h is the height of the box

The volume of the box    V(b) = 97556 = x²*h   then    h  =  97556/x²

S(x,h) = x²  +  4*x*h*

The surface area of the box as function of x is:

S(x)  =  x²  + 4*x*97556/x²

S(x)  =  x²  +  390224/x