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Advanced Math/Calc - Optimization Problem

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Expert: Sherry Wallin - 11/1/2009


Question

Calc-Optimzation #6
I've been working on the attached problem #6 and I'm getting stuck.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
You have a right triangle with one leg 4 ft and the other leg x ft so the hypotenuse is sqrt(x^2+16). You will need 2*hyp + 10-x in length for your wire. Find the minimum of f(x) = 10-x + 2sqrt(x^2+16) by finding the first derivative of f and then setting it equal to 0 and solving for x. You will have to square both sides and do some more algebra and then take the square root of both sides. You will find that x = 2.31 is the value of x that is the minimum. I have to run, if you still need more help write again and I will help you some more.


Math Prof

Sherry Wallin

Expertise

I can answer most questions up through Calculus and some in Number Theory and Abstract Algebra.

Experience

I have had my Bachelor's Degree since 1987 and have been a teacher since 1988. I earned my Masters Degree in Mathematics May 2010. I have been teaching at the same community college since 2002.

Education/Credentials
I have taught 12 years at the community college level, medical college, and technical college as well as a high school instructor and alternative education instructor and charter school instructor.

Awards and Honors
Master's GPA 3.56 Bachelor's GPA 3.34 Post grad work not degree related GPA 4.0

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