# A packaging company...

• Nov 12th 2009, 01:44 PM
mathcalculushelp
A packaging company...
A packaging company is going to make open topped boxes ,with square bases that hold 108 cubic centimeters.What are the dimensions of the box that can be built with the least material?
• Nov 12th 2009, 02:53 PM
skeeter
Quote:

Originally Posted by mathcalculushelp
A packaging company is going to make open topped boxes ,with square bases that hold 108 cubic centimeters.What are the dimensions of the box that can be built with the least material?

let $x$ = side of the square base
$h$ = box height
$S$ = surface area of the box

$x^2h=108$

$S=x^2+4xh$

get $S$ in terms of a single variable and minimize
• Nov 12th 2009, 04:03 PM
mathcalculushelp
S?
what does minimise mean exactly?I am a bit new to this topic.Pls elaborate.Are we supposed to find S?
• Nov 12th 2009, 04:13 PM
skeeter
Quote:

Originally Posted by mathcalculushelp
what does minimise mean exactly?I am a bit new to this topic.Pls elaborate.Are we supposed to find S?

if you don't know what "minimize" means, then you are not prepared to do this sort of problem.

you need to speak with your instructor.