# finding the value of x

• Jan 4th 2009, 12:44 PM
hoikey
finding the value of x
An open rectangular tank of height h metres with a square base of side x metres is to be constructed so that it has a capacity of 500 cubic metres. Prove that the surface area of the four walls and the base will be

2000 + x2 (the 2 is squared)

x

square metres. Find the value of x for this expression to be a minimum.

i have no idea where to even start on this one.
• Jan 4th 2009, 02:34 PM
RossBrons
Are you saying it's equal to.........

$2000 + x^2$
• Jan 4th 2009, 02:43 PM
hoikey
that just how the question was written, and like i say i have no idea
• Jan 4th 2009, 02:58 PM
RossBrons
Oh right I see now.

Volume of the tank = 500

Volume = $x^{2}h$

Thus

$h = \frac{500}{x^2}$

Surface area minus lid = $4hx + x^2$

Substitute $h = \frac{500}{x^2}$ into surface area equation to get.

$4\times\frac{500}{x^2}x + x^2 = S$

Where S is the surface area of the tank base and four walls.

This simplifies to be

$\frac{2000}{x} + x^2 = S$

Happy new year.

Regards,
Ross
• Jan 5th 2009, 02:44 PM
hoikey
would it not be 5x instead of 4x on this bit
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...29200f48-1.gif
as there are 4 sides and a base so altogether 5 surfaces.?
• Jan 5th 2009, 02:52 PM
RossBrons
No, because it's 4 walls are the same surface area but not the base.

Thus the base is still the $x^2$ and the four walls are represented by the other component.
• Jan 5th 2009, 03:03 PM
hoikey
oh right. cheers mate.