STAGE 1: Problem Identification

"A vegetable farmer in Zimunya grows and sells tomatoes. The farmer notices that as the number of
crates produced increases, profit changes in a predictable way. Given the estimated revenue and
cost functions based on local market conditions, how many crates of tomatoes should the farmer
produce to maximize profit?"

1.1 Statement of intent

This project aims to investigate how quadratic functions can be used to model and analyse profit
maximization for small-scale businesses, with a specific focus on a tomato farmer in Zimunya, a rural
community in Zimbabwe. Small business owners in such areas often rely on intuition or experience
when making production decisions, without applying formal mathematical methods. This project will
demonstrate how Pure Mathematics—particularly quadratic functions—can provide practical
insights into determining the optimal number of units to produce in order to achieve maximum
profit.

The study will involve formulating a profit function based on estimated revenue and cost data
relevant to Zimunya. This profit function, which takes the form of a quadratic equation, will be
analysed algebraically and graphically to identify the production level that yields the maximum
profit. The project will use skills and concepts from the ZIMSEC A-Level Pure Mathematics syllabus,
such as completing the square, sketching quadratic graphs, and finding the vertex of a parabola.

By applying mathematics to a real-world problem in a rural Zimbabwean setting, this project seeks to
show that mathematical modelling is not just theoretical but can be used to support smarter, more
efficient decision-making in local entrepreneurship and agriculture.

1.3 Main idea or topic

This project is about helping a tomato farmer in Zimunya figure out how many crates of tomatoes
they should produce to make the most profit. By looking at how much money the farmer makes
from selling tomatoes (revenue) and how much it costs to grow and sell them (cost), we can find the
sweet spot — the number of crates that gives the best return.

1.4 Design Specifications

1. Data Collection and Assumptions

 Requirement: Use real or estimated data relevant to Zimunya’s local market.

 Details: Gather data on selling prices, cost of inputs, and average yields.
 Purpose: To make the model realistic and applicable to the farmer’s actual situation.

2. Graphical Representation

 Requirement: Create visual aids such as graphs of revenue, cost, and profit.
  Details: Use a graph to show where profit peaks, helping identify the best number of crates
to produce.
 Purpose: To make the information easier to understand for non-mathematical users.

Solution statement

To solve the problem of profit maximization for a tomato farmer in Zimunya, a mathematical model
will be developed using quadratic functions. The revenue and cost functions will be defined based on
realistic assumptions about the local market and farming conditions. These functions will be
combined to form a profit function, which will be a quadratic equation of the form:
2
P(x )=ax +bx +c
This profit function will be analysed algebraically and graphically to determine the value of 𝑥 (the
number of tomato crates produced) that results in the maximum profit. The turning point (vertex) of
the parabola, given by:

−b
x=
2a¿
¿
will be calculated and interpreted in the context of small-scale farming in Zimunya. This solution
method applies concepts from the Pure Mathematics syllabus—such as completing the square and
graph sketching—to arrive at a practical and evidence-based recommendation for optimal
production.

STAGE 2: INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS

Analysis(information) Based on Sakubva Market Conditions

 Selling price per crate decreases as more crates are supplied due to market saturation.
 Production cost includes fixed and variable components.
 Local data suggests:
o Base price per crate = $20
o Price decreases by $0.10 for every extra crate.
o Fixed cost = $100
o Variable cost = $5 per crate

Other ideas:

1. Calculus – Using Derivatives to Maximize Profit

Explanation:
By taking the first derivative of the profit function:
 d
'
P ( q )= (−0 , 1 q2 +15 q−100 ) =−0 , 2 q+15
dq

Setting the derivative equal to zero:

−0 , 2 q+15=0
q=75

This is an application of differential calculus, used to find maximum or minimum values in

economics and optimization problems.

Evidence of investigation: Calculus using Derivatives to Maximize Profit

1. Problem setup
We are given the profit function
2
P ( q )=−0 , 1 q +15 q−100

Where

- P(q) is the profit in USD

- q is the number of crates produced
Our goal is to use calculus to determine the number of crates that gives maximum profit

2. First derivative of the profit function

To find the critical point, we first find the first derivative of the profit function:
q
'
P ( q )= (−0 , 1 q2 +15 q−100 )
dq
P' ( q )=−0 ,2 q +15
3. Solving for maximum profit
Set the first derivative equal to zero to find the critical point:
−0 , 2 q+15=0

0 , 2 q=15
15
q= =75
0,2

So profit is maximized when the farmer produces 75 crates

Demerits and merits

Merits (Why it’s useful):

1. Helps Find the Sweet Spot:

o Calculus helps businesses figure out exactly how much of something to make or sell
to earn the most money.
2. Makes Business Decisions Smarter:
o It takes the guesswork out of decisions by showing how small changes in production
or pricing affect profit.
3. Saves Time and Money:
 o Instead of trying random options, it gives a clear answer on what’s best—fast and
efficiently.

Demerits (Why it’s not always perfect):

1. Assumes a Perfect World:

o It often ignores messy real-life things like sudden market changes or customer
behavior.
2. Needs Good Numbers:
o If the information you put in is wrong, the answer you get will be too.
3. Can Be Hard to Understand:
o Not everyone is comfortable with calculus, so it might seem complicated or
confusing to use.

STAGE 3: GENERATION OF IDEAS

Mathematical Model Using a Quadratic Function

Step-by-Step Model Building

Idea 1: Maximize Profit Using a Quadratic Profit
Function (Classic Optimization)
Step 1: Understand the Real-World Scenario

A tomato farmer in Zimunya:

 Sells tomatoes in crates.

 Notices the price per crate drops as more crates are supplied (market saturation).
 Wants to maximize profit based on this behavior.

Step 2: Define the Variables

Let:

 xxx = number of tomato crates produced and sold (decision variable)

 p(x)p(x)p(x) = selling price per crate
 R(x)R(x)R(x) = total revenue function
 C(x)C(x)C(x) = total cost function
 P(x)P(x)P(x) = profit function
Step 3: Construct the Revenue Function

From the data:

 Base price = $20

 Price drops by $0.10 per extra crate

So, price per crate:

p ( x )=20−0 ,10 x

Revenue = price per crate × number of crates:

R ( x )=x (20−0 , 10 x )

2
R ( x )=20 x−0 , 10 x

Step 4: Construct the Cost Function

From the data:

 Fixed cost = $100

 Variable cost = $5 per crate

C ( x )=100−5 x

Step 5: Construct the Profit Function

Profit is revenue minus cost:

P ( x )=R ( x )−C ( x )

P ( x )=( 20 x−0 , 10 x2 ) −( 100+5 x )

2
P ( x )=−0 , 10 x +15 x−100

This is a quadratic function in standard form:

2
P ( x )=a x + bx+ c

Where:

- a=−0 , 10
- b=15
- c=−100
Step 6: Find the Maximum Profit Using Vertex Formula

Since the parabola opens downward (a < 0), the vertex gives the maximum point.

Use:

−b
x=
2a
−15
x= =75
2 (−0 ,10 )

So, the profit is maximized when 75 crates are produced.

Step 7: Calculate the Maximum Profit

Substitute x=75 into P ( x )

2
P ( 75 )=−0 ,10 ( 75 ) +15 ( 76 )−100
P ( x )=−562 ,5+ 1125−100=462, 5

Step 8: Interpret the Model

 Optimal number of crates: 75

 Price per crate:
20−0 ,10 • 75=12 , 50
 Revenue:

75.12 ,50=937 ,50

 Cost:
100+5 •25=475
 Profit:
937 , 50−475=462 , 50

Conclusion:
Using quadratic functions, we modelled revenue and profit to find:

 Optimal number of crates: 75

 Maximum profit: $462.50

Idea 2: Find Production Range Where Profit Is Positive (Break-even Analysis)

Model:

Using the same quadratic profit function:

 P ( x )=−0 , 1 x 2 +15 x−100

Set P ( x )=0 ¿ find break even points :

2
−0 , 1 x +15 x−100=0
2
x −150 x+ 1000=0

Use quadratic formula:

150 ± √ ¿−4000 150 ± √ ¿ 500

x= =
2 2¿
¿

150+136 , 01
¿
2

x=7∨x=143

Analysis:

 Profit is positive between 7 and 143 crates.

 This gives a range rather than a single number.
 The farmer can produce any amount within this interval and expect a profit — useful if
constrained by space, labor, or market size.

Comparison:

 Producing fewer than 7 or more than 143 crates results in a loss.

 Maximum profit still occurs at 75 crates, but this model shows flexibility and caution.

Conclusion:
Approach Main Goal Result Practical Use

Idea 1: Maximize Find quantity for

75 crates, $462.50 Ideal if all crates can be sold
profit highest profit

Idea 2: Break-even Find safe range of Between 7 and 143 Helps farmer avoid loss even with
range production crates uncertainty
Merits of the Ideas
Idea 1: Maximizing Profit with a Quadratic Function

Main Idea: Find the exact number of crates the farmer should produce to earn the highest possible
profit.

Merits:

 Precise Decision-Making: Gives the exact quantity (75 crates) that leads to the maximum
profit.
 Simple and Clear: Once the formula is built, the answer is straightforward to calculate.
 Ideal for Planning: Helps the farmer aim for the best outcome if they are confident about
selling all crates.
 Uses Efficient Math: The vertex of a parabola provides a quick and accurate solution.

Idea 2: Break-Even Analysis to Find Profit Range

Main Idea: Find the range of production where profit is still positive, even if it's not the maximum.

Merits:

 Flexible Planning: Shows a safe zone (7 to 143 crates) where the farmer can still make
money.
 Realistic Approach: Useful when the farmer faces limits like weather, labor, or market
demand.
 Risk Reduction: Helps avoid losses by warning against producing too few or too many crates.
 Better for Uncertain Conditions: Supports decision-making when the future is less
predictable.

Demerits of the Ideas in Stage 3

Idea 1: Maximizing Profit with a Quadratic Function

Main Idea: Find the exact number of crates (75) that gives the highest profit.

Demerits:

 Assumes All Crates Will Be Sold: In real life, the farmer might not be able to sell exactly 75
crates due to demand limits or spoilage.
 Ignores Uncertainty: This method doesn’t account for unexpected events like price changes,
bad weather, or transport issues.
 One-Size-Fits-All Answer: It gives one fixed number, which may not be practical every time.


 Overly Ideal: The model assumes the price always drops at a perfect rate, which may not
reflect real market behavior.
Idea 2: Break-Even Analysis (Profit Range)

Main Idea: Find the range (7 to 143 crates) where profit is still positive.

Demerits:

 Doesn’t Show the Best Option: It tells you where profit is possible, but not which amount is
most profitable.
 Less Precise: The range is helpful, but it doesn’t guide exact decision-making.
 Still Based on Assumptions: Like the first idea, it assumes cost and price formulas stay the
same, which might not be true in real life.
 Can Be Misleading: A farmer might think any number in the range is “good,” even if it gives
very low profit.

STAGE 4: SELECTION OF CHOICE AND REFINEMENT

Selection of Choice and Refinement
Selected Idea: Idea 1 – Maximizing Profit Using a Quadratic Function

After exploring both ideas, I chose to focus on Idea 1—using a quadratic profit function to find the
maximum profit. This idea was selected because:

 It gives a specific and clear solution (75 crates).

 It directly answers the farmer’s main goal: how to earn the most money.
 It makes good use of mathematical tools like the vertex formula, showing how math can
solve real problems.

Refinement of the Model

To make the model more accurate and practical, I refined the idea in a few important ways:

1. Corrected the Cost Function

 Originally, I had written C(x) = 100 - 5x, which would mean costs decrease as more
crates are produced—which isn’t realistic.
 I refined it to: C(x) = 100 + 5x, which makes more sense (fixed cost + variable cost per
crate).

2. Checked Assumptions

 I reviewed the assumption that the price drops by $0.10 for every crate. While this is useful
for modeling, I noted that in real life, this might not always be true.
 I added a note that the model works best in stable market conditions, and that the farmer
should monitor real prices.
3. Linked to Break-Even Range

 Although Idea 1 was chosen, I used Idea 2 to support and refine the decision. Knowing that
profit is positive between 7 and 143 crates helps the farmer understand the risk limits.
 This gives a fuller picture: not just what’s best, but also what’s safe.

Justification for Selected Idea: Maximizing Profit Using a Quadratic Function

The idea chosen for this project is maximizing profit using a quadratic function. This was selected
because it directly addresses the farmer’s main goal: how to earn the highest possible profit from
tomato sales.

Reasons for the Choice

1. Mathematical Clarity

The profit function P(x) = -0.10x² + 15x - 100 is a clear quadratic equation, making it ideal
for applying the vertex formula. This gives an exact answer (75 crates), which is helpful for decision-
making.

2. Real-World Relevance

Maximizing profit is a common and practical goal for any business. This model reflects the real-life
situation where selling more crates affects price, and production comes with fixed and variable
costs.

3. Simplicity and Efficiency

Once the model is set up, it provides a quick and efficient way to calculate optimal output without
testing multiple values manually.

4. Supports Strategic Planning

Knowing the exact number of crates that gives maximum profit helps the farmer plan production
and resources effectively—especially if there are no major limits on how many crates can be sold.

Why Not Idea 2 Alone?

While the break-even range (Idea 2) is useful, it only tells the farmer when profit starts and ends. It
does not show the best possible profit. Therefore, it’s better used as a supporting tool, not the
main strategy.
 1. Refinement of the Cost Function

 Original: C(x) = 100 - 5x

o Problem: This suggested that the total cost would decrease as more crates were
produced, which doesn't reflect real-world economics where costs typically rise with
increased production due to labor, materials, etc.
 Refined Version: C(x) = 100 + 5x
o Reasoning: The fixed cost of $100 remains constant, and the variable cost of $5 per
crate increases with each additional crate produced. This is a more realistic
representation of how costs work in business, where each additional crate produced
adds a variable cost.

2. Incorporation of Real-World Assumptions

 Original Assumption: The price decreases by $0.10 per crate, and this drop remains constant
as the number of crates increases.
 Refined Approach:
o Assumption Reevaluation: The model assumes that price decreases uniformly,
which may not hold in real markets where price fluctuations can be influenced by
external factors (demand, weather, market trends, etc.).

3. Break-Even Analysis for Additional Insight

 Original Focus: The profit function aimed to find the maximum profit at 75 crates but didn’t
show the safe production range.
 Refined Approach:
o The break-even analysis was introduced to calculate the range where the farmer
would still make a profit, i.e., between 7 and 143 crates.
o Reasoning: This provides the farmer with a more flexible understanding of
production. While 75 crates is the optimal number, knowing that any number
between 7 and 143 crates will still generate profit helps in situations where market
conditions may vary.

4. Clearer Interpretation of Results

 Original Interpretation: The model provided a number (75 crates) and maximum profit
($462.50) but didn’t provide enough context on how to act in different situations.
 Refined Approach:
o The interpretation now clarifies that 75 crates is the optimal production number to
maximize profit, but it also highlights that the farmer could adjust production
between 7 and 143 crates if there are concerns about market uncertainty.

Reasoning: This gives the farmer a practical decision-making range while still aiming
for maximum profit. It also allows the farmer to understand that the model’s results
are flexible and adaptable depending on their specific circumstances.

Presentation