UNIVERSIDAD DE MONTERREY
VICERRECTORÍA DE EDUCACIÓN MEDIA SUPERIOR
ACADEMIA DE MATEMÁTICAS
PROGRAMA MULTICULTURAL
MATEMÁTICAS APLICADAS
Guide 11 – Optimization of Area
Optimization
Optimization comes from the same root as optimal, which means the best. When you
optimize something, you are “making it the best”.
But “best” can vary. In optimization, derivatives are used to find the optimal value, either the
minimum value or the maximum value, of a function in which two variables interact. We can
do this through a mathematical model with a function that describes a specific situation. For
example; if you’re a football player, you might want to maximize your running yards, and
also minimize your fumbles. Both maximizing and minimizing are types of optimization
problems.
Mathematical Optimization is useful in many different fields. Here are a few examples:
● Manufacturing ● Finances ● Control
engineering
● Production ● Engineering
● Marketing
● Inventory control ● Mechanics
● Transportation ● Economics
Vocabulary
● Objective Function: 𝑓(𝑥), is the output you are trying to maximize or minimize.
● Variables: 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 are inputs you can control.
● Constraints: are equations that place limits on how big or small some variables can
get.
Steps to solve an Optimization problem
Stage 1 – Develop the function for the quantity to optimize (Algebra)
1. Write all the information obtained from the problem.
2. Make a drawing that represents the real situation specifying in the sketch the
constraints determined by the actual situation.
3. Write an equation or equations that relate the quantity to be optimized in
terms of the relevant variables.
4. Rewrite the equation in terms of a single variable.
Stage 2 – Maximize or minimize the function. (Calculus)
5. Calculate the derivative of the equation with respect to the only variable.
6. Find the critical value or critical values, from the first derivative.
7. Find the second derivative of the objective function to determine the
maximum and minimum as needed.
8. Solve what is indicated in the problem.
Example 1
A farmer has a 120 m fence and wants to fence a rectangular field that borders a straight
river. He doesn't need fences along the river. Determine what are the dimensions of the field
that give the maximum area and calculate its maximum area.
Process:
STEP 1: Write all the information obtained from the problem.
Objective Function: Maximize area; 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ = 𝑥𝑦
Variables: Field’s width (𝑥), field’s length (𝑦), field’s area (𝐴)
Constraint: Field’s perimeter 120 m
STEP 2: Make a drawing that represents the real situation specifying in the sketch the
constraints determined by the actual situation.
STEP 3: Write an equation or equations that relate the quantity to be optimized in terms of
the relevant variables.
Equation 1: Field perimeter’s constraint.
120 = 2𝑥 + 𝑦
Equation 2: We are seeking to maximize the area of the field.
𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦
STEP 4: Rewrite the equation in terms of a single variable.
Using the constraint’s equation we can substitute the value of 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥 in equation 2:
Rewriting equation 1:
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 120
Substituting in equation 2:
𝐴 = 𝑥(−2𝑥 + 120)
Therefore, a model for the field’s area is 𝐴(𝑥) = 𝑥(120 − 2𝑥), where 𝑥 is the width of the
field. Distributing the x outside of the parenthesis, we have:
𝐴(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 + 120𝑥
STEP 5: Calculate the derivative of the equation with respect to the only variable.
𝐴′(𝑥) = −4𝑥 + 120
STEP 6: Find the critical value or values, from the first derivative. For this matter, we need
to remember: solve for 𝑥, which it is found by setting the derivative equal to zero.
−4𝑥 + 120 = 0
−4𝑥 = −120
−120
𝑥=
−4
𝑥 = 30
STEP 7: Find the second derivative of the objective function to determine the maximum or
minimum as needed. In this case the maximum is sought.
𝐴′′(𝑥) = −4
Remember: After solving the evaluation of the second derivative with the critical value; if
the sign is positive, we say that this is the value of the minimum, on the other hand, if
the sign is negative, we say that this is the value of the maximum.
In this case, since there is no variable for us to substitute, we have to take the sign of the
result of the second derivative. Since the result is negative, we can conclude that it is a
maximum.
STEP 8: Solve what is indicated in the problem.
Previously, we established the variable 𝑥 as the field’s width and the variable 𝑦 as the field’s
length. Above, we found the value for 𝑥, therefore to find the length of the field (y), we must
replace 𝑥 = 30 in the equation: 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 120.
𝑦 = −2(30) + 120
𝑦 = 60
Finally, to find the maximum area of the field, we need to replace 𝑥 = 30 and
𝑦 = 60 in the area’s equation; 𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦.
𝐴 = (30)(60)
𝐴 = 1800
We need to take into account that the dimensions and the area, both are measured in
units, in this case the unit is meters (𝑚).
𝑥 = 30 𝑚
𝑦 = 60 𝑚
𝐴 = 1800 𝑚2
Example 2
Find the smallest possible perimeter for a rectangle whose area is 16 𝑚2.
Process:
STEP 1: Write all the information obtained from the problem.
Objective Function: Minimize the perimeter; 𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦
Variables: Rectangle’s width (𝑥), rectangle’s length (𝑦), perimeter (𝑃)
Constraint: Rectangle’s area 16 𝑚2
STEP 2: Make a drawing that represents the real situation specifying in the sketch the
constraints determined by the actual situation.
STEP 3: Write an equation or equations that relate the quantity to be optimized in terms of
the relevant variables.
Equation 1: The constraint is the rectangle’s area.
16 = 𝑥𝑦
Equation 2: We are seeking to minimize the rectangle’s perimeter.
𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦
STEP 4: Rewrite the equation in terms of a single variable.
Using the constraint’s equation we can substitute the value of 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥 in equation 2:
Rewriting equation 1:
16
𝑦=
𝑥
Substituting in equation 2:
16
𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 2 ( )
𝑥
16
Therefore, a model for the rectangle’s perimeter is 𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 2 ( 𝑥 ), where 𝑥 is the width
of the rectangle. Developing the parentheses of the model, we have:
32
𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 +
𝑥
STEP 5: Calculate the derivative of the equation with respect to the only variable.
𝑃(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 32𝑥 −1
𝑃′(𝑥) = 2 − 32𝑥 −2
32
𝑃′(𝑥) = 2 − 2
𝑥
STEP 6: Find the critical value or values, from the first derivative. For this matter, we need
to remember: solve for 𝑥, which it is found by setting the derivative equal to zero.
32
0=2− 2
𝑥
32
−2 = − 2
𝑥
−2𝑥 2 = −32
−32
𝑥2 =
−2
𝑥 2 = 16
𝑥 = ±√16
𝑥1 = −4 𝑥2 = 4
STEP 7: Find the second derivative of the objective function to determine the maximum or
minimum as needed. In this case the minimum is sought.
𝑃′′(𝑥) = 64𝑥 −3
64
𝑃′′(𝑥) = 3
𝑥
First, 𝑥1 = −4 Following, 𝑥2 = 4
64 64
𝑃′′(−4) = 𝑃′′(4) =
(−4)3 (4)3
′′
𝑃 (−4) = −1 𝑃′′(4) = 1
By substituting the second critical value 𝑥 = 4 the result is positive, therefore we can
conclude that 𝑥 = 4 will minimize the perimeter of the rectangle.
STEP 8: Solve what is indicated in the problem.
Previously, we established the variable 𝑥 as the rectangle’s width and the variable 𝑦 as the
rectangle’s length. Above, we found the value for 𝑥, therefore to find the length of the
16
rectangle (𝑦), we must replace 𝑥 = 4 in the equation: 𝑦 = .
𝑥
16
𝑦=
4
𝑦= 4
Finally, to find the minimum perimeter of the rectangle we must replace 𝑥 = 4 and 𝑦 = 4
in the perimeter’s equation; 𝑃 = 2𝑥 + 2𝑦.
𝑃 = 2(4) + 2(4)
𝑃 = 16
We need to take into account that the perimeter is measured in units, in this case the unit
is meters (𝑚).
𝑃 = 16 𝑚
Example 3
A farmer has 48 𝑚 of wire and wishes to enclose a rectangular area and divide it into three
spaces for animals, placing fences parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle. What is the
maximum possible total area of the three spaces?
Process:
STEP 1: Write all the information obtained from the problem.
Objective Function: Maximize the area; 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ = 𝑥𝑦
Variables: Width (𝑥), length (𝑦), area (𝐴)
Constraint: Rectangle’s perimeter 48 𝑚
STEP 2: Make a drawing that represents the real situation specifying in the sketch the
constraints determined by the actual situation.
STEP 3: Write an equation or equations that relate the quantity to be optimized in terms of
the relevant variables.
Equation 1: The constraint is the rectangle’s perimeter.
48 = 4𝑥 + 2𝑦
Equation 2: We are seeking to maximize the area.
𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦
STEP 4: Rewrite the equation in terms of a single variable.
Using the constraint’s equation we can substitute the value of 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥 in equation 2:
Rewriting equation 1:
−2𝑦 = 4𝑥 − 48
4𝑥 − 48
𝑦=
−2
𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 24
Substituting in equation 2:
𝐴 = 𝑥(−2𝑥 + 24)
Therefore, a model for the rectangle’s area is 𝐴(𝑥) = 𝑥(−2𝑥 + 24), where 𝑥 is the width of
the rectangle. Developing the parentheses of the model, we have:
𝐴(𝑥) = −2𝑥 2 + 24𝑥
STEP 5: Calculate the derivative of the equation with respect to the only variable.
𝐴′(𝑥) = −4𝑥 + 24
STEP 6: Find the critical value or values, from the first derivative. For this matter, we need
to remember: solve for 𝑥, which it is found by setting the derivative equal to zero.
−4𝑥 + 24 = 0
−4𝑥 = −24
−24
𝑥=
−4
𝑥=6
STEP 7: Find the second derivative of the objective function to determine the maximum or
minimum as needed. In this case the maximum is sought.
𝐴′′(𝑥) = −4
In this case, as in example 1, there is no variable to substitute, therefore, we have to take
the sign of the result of the second derivative. Since the result is negative, we can conclude
that it is a maximum.
STEP 8: Solve what is indicated in the problem.
Previously, we established the variable 𝑥 as the rectangle’s width and the variable 𝑦 as the
rectangle’s length. Above, we found the value for 𝑥, therefore to find the length of the
rectangle (𝑦), we must replace 𝑥 = 6 in the equation: 𝑦 = −2𝑥 + 24.
𝑦 = −2(6) + 24
𝑦 = 12
Finally, to find the minimum perimeter of the rectangle we must replace 𝑥 = 6 and 𝑦 = 12
in the area’s equation; 𝐴 = 𝑥𝑦.
𝐴 = (6)(12)
𝐴 = 72
We need to take into account that the area is measured in squared units, in this case the
unit is meters (𝑚).
𝐴 = 72 𝑚2
Example 4
A rectangular page is to contain 24 𝑖𝑛2 of print. The margins at the top and bottom of the
1
page are to be 1 𝑖𝑛, and the margins on the left and right are to be 1𝑖𝑛. What should the
2
dimensions of the page be so that the least amount of paper is used?
Process:
STEP 1: Write all the information obtained from the problem.
Objective Function: Minimize the area; 𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ = 𝑥𝑦
Variables: Width (𝑥), length (𝑦), area (𝐴)
Constraint: Printed area inside the margins 24 𝑖𝑛2
STEP 2: Make a drawing that represents the real situation. Specifying in the sketch the
constraints determined by the actual situation.
STEP 3: Write an equation or equations that relate the quantity to be optimized in terms of
the relevant variables.
Equation 1: The constraint is the printed area inside the margins.
24 = 𝑥𝑦
Equation 2: We are seeking to minimize the area.
𝐴 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑦 + 2)
STEP 4: Rewrite the equation in terms of a single variable.
Using the constraint’s equation we can substitute the value of 𝑦 in terms of 𝑥 in equation 2:
Rewriting equation 1:
𝑥𝑦 = 24
24
𝑦=
𝑥
Substituting in equation 2:
24
𝐴 = (𝑥 + 3) ( + 2)
𝑥
24
Therefore, a model for the page’s area is 𝐴(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3) ( 𝑥 + 2), where 𝑥 is the width of
the page. Developing the parentheses of the model, we have:
72
𝐴(𝑥) = 24 + 2𝑥 + +6
𝑥
72
𝐴(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 30 + 𝑥
STEP 5: Calculate the derivative of the equation with respect to the only variable.
𝐴(𝑥) = 2𝑥 + 30 + 72𝑥 −1
𝐴′(𝑥) = 2 − 72𝑥 −2
72
𝐴′(𝑥) = 2 − 2
𝑥
STEP 6: Find the critical value or values, from the first derivative. For this matter, we need
to remember: solve for 𝑥, which it is found by setting the derivative equal to zero.
72
2− 2 =0
𝑥
72
− 2 = −2
𝑥
−72 = −2𝑥 2
−72
= 𝑥2
−2
𝑥 2 = 36
𝑥 = ±√36
𝑥1 = −6 𝑥2 = 6
STEP 7: Find the second derivative of the objective function to determine the maximum or
minimum as needed. In this case the minimum is sought.
𝐴′′(𝑥) = 144𝑥 −3
144
𝐴′′(𝑥) = 3
𝑥
First, 𝑥1 = −6 Following, 𝑥2 = 6
144 144
𝐴′′(−6) = 3
𝐴′′(6) =
(−6) (6)3
2 2
𝐴′′ (−6) = − 𝐴′′(6) =
3 3
By substituting the second critical value 𝑥 = 6 the result is positive, therefore we can
conclude that 𝑥 = 6 will yield the minimum area of the page.
STEP 8: Solve what is indicated in the problem.
Previously, we established the variable 𝑥 as the rectangle’s width and the variable 𝑦 as the
rectangle’s length. Above, we found the value for 𝑥, therefore to find the length of the
24
rectangle (𝑦), we must replace 𝑥 = 6 in the equation: 𝑦 = 𝑥 .
24
𝑦=
6
𝑦= 4
Finally, to find the minimum area of the page we must replace 𝑥 = 6 and 𝑦 = 4 in the
area’s equation; 𝐴 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑦 + 2).
𝐴 = (6 + 3)(4 + 2)
𝐴 = 54
We need to take into account that the area is measured in squared units, in this case the
unit is inches (𝑖𝑛).
𝐴 = 54 𝑖𝑛2
UNIVERSIDAD DE MONTERREY
VICERRECTORÍA DE EDUCACIÓN MEDIA SUPERIOR
ACADEMIA DE MATEMÁTICAS
PROGRAMA MULTICULTURAL
MATEMÁTICAS APLICADAS
Lab 11 – Optimization of Area
Name: ___________________________________ ID: ___________
I. For each of the following exercises, make a diagram that shows the situation of the problem,
determine the restriction equation and the objective function of the problem, and calculate what is
asked in the problem.
1. A gardener wishes to enclose a rectangular plot of land using a roll of wire-netting that is 40 𝑚 long. One
side of the plot is to be the wall of the garden. How should he bend the wire-netting to enclose the
maximum area? Which is the maximum area?
2. We need to enclose a rectangular field with a fence. We have 500 𝑓𝑡 of fencing material and a building
is on one side of the field, so that it won’t need any fencing on that side. Determine the dimensions of the
field that will enclose the largest area.
3. Find the smallest possible perimeter for a rectangle whose area is 18 𝑐𝑚2 .
4. Peter has 34 𝑚 of fencing material and wants to enclose a rectangular area and divide it into four spaces,
placing fences parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle. What is the maximum possible total area of
the four spaces?
5. Maria wants to construct a rectangular pigpen using 440 𝑓𝑡 of fencing material. The pen will be built next
to an existing stone wall, so only three sides of fencing need to be constructed to enclose the pen. What
dimensions should Maria use to construct the pigpen with the largest possible area?
6. A printing company is designing a poster with the following characteristics: the printed area should occupy
100 𝑐𝑚2, the upper margin should measure 3𝑐𝑚, the lower 2 𝑐𝑚, and the lateral margins 4𝑐𝑚 each.
Calculate the dimensions that the poster must have to use the minimum possible paper.
7. A farmer has 56 𝑚 of wire and wishes to enclose a rectangular area and divide it into five spaces for
animals, placing fences parallel to one of the sides of the rectangle. What is the maximum possible total
area of the five spaces?
8. We need to enclose a field with a rectangular fence. We have 250 𝑓𝑡 of fencing material, and a building
is on one side of the field, so won’t need any fencing on that side. Determine the dimensions of the field
that will enclose the largest area. Calculate the largest area.
9. A man has 100 𝑓𝑡 of fencing, a large yard, and a small dog. He wants to create a rectangular enclosure
for his dog with the fencing that provides the maximal area. What dimensions provide the maximum area?
Determine the maximum area.
10. A pasture is being built for horses. 200 𝑓𝑡 of fencing must be used, and the farmer wants to have the
largest possible area for the horses, but insists that the width must be either 40 𝑓𝑡, 50 𝑓𝑡, or 60 𝑓𝑡. Use
the optimization process to determine the dimensions that maximize the area.
11. Jorge is building a bookshelf and wants the perimeter around the base of the shelf to be 150𝑐𝑚. Use the
optimization process to determine the dimensions of the bookshelf that results in the maximum base
area.
12. A rectangular poster must have a printed area of 320 𝑐𝑚2 . It will have top and bottom margins that are
5 𝑐𝑚 each, and side margins that are 3 𝑐𝑚 each. What are the dimensions of the poster with the smallest
total area?
13. Calculate the length and width of an 80 m perimeter rectangle, and determine its maximum area.
14. Calculate the length and width of a rectangle with a 32 ft2 area and a minimum perimeter.
15. A rectangular sheet of paper will have a 36 squared inch printed area and 1.5 inch margin on each
side. Determine the dimensions of the page so that the minimum amount of paper is used for
printing.
References:
Edward, Bruce. Larson, Ron (2017). Matemáticas I. Cálculo diferencial. 10 edición. CenGaGe. Páginas 219-237.
Guerrero Torres, Gustavo. (2019). Cálculo diferencial, un nuevo enfoque. Primera edición. Grupo Editorial Patria. Unidad 8, página
325.
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