Finding radius from volume that gives the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans

In summary, the conversation is about a problem involving finding the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans with volumes between 100 cm (cubed) and 155 cm (cubed). The solution involves deriving the surface area formula, finding the derivative, and solving for the radius that gives the minimum surface area. It is suggested to use "V" as the volume variable and to use differentiation to find the maximum or minimum of a function.
  • #1
superhulk
1
0
i need MAJOR HELP!

this is the problem:

The can do tin can company minimizes costs by construckting cans from the least possible amount of material. this company suppplies many different sizes of cans to packing firms. a designer with the company needs to determine the radius that gives the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans with volumes between 100 cm (cubed) and 155 cm (cubed).



basically i need to know how to find the smallest surface area for the following volumes: 100 300 500 700 900 1100 1300 and 1500 cm(cubed)

can someone pleaseEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE help me
 
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  • #2


That seems like a mainly APPLIED type Calculus problem. You first need to derive or look in reference material for the surface area for a circular cylinder. Arrange the equation to be surface area as a function of radius. Find the derivative of this surface area function. You are then interested in minimum surface area; find the radius for each case. (someone check my thinking about all that since a long time has passed since I studied Calculus).
 
  • #3


You have two equations: volume of a cylnder of radius r and height h is [itex]\pi r^2h[/itex] whch must be equal to one of the values you give, and surface area is [itex]2\pi r^2+ 2\pi rh[/itex] which is what you want to minimize. You can use the first, volume, equation to solve for, say, h, as a function of r and replace that in the second formula.
It might be a good idea to use "V" for the volume rather than one of the numbers you give so you can just plug in a number after you have solved for r and h.

Do you know how to find the max or min of a function by differentiating?
 

Related to Finding radius from volume that gives the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans

1. How is the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans determined?

The minimum surface area for cylindrical cans is determined by finding the radius that minimizes the surface area formula, which is 2πr² + 2πrh, where r is the radius and h is the height of the can.

2. What is the relationship between volume and surface area for cylindrical cans?

The volume and surface area of a cylindrical can are inversely proportional. This means that as the volume of the can increases, the surface area decreases, and vice versa.

3. Can the minimum surface area be achieved with any radius value?

No, the minimum surface area can only be achieved with a specific radius value. This value can be calculated by taking the square root of 3 times the volume over the height of the can.

4. How does the height of the can affect the minimum surface area?

The height of the can does not affect the minimum surface area. The minimum surface area is solely determined by the radius, as long as the height is greater than 0.

5. What are some practical applications of finding the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans?

Finding the minimum surface area for cylindrical cans is important in industrial and manufacturing settings, as it can help optimize the use of materials and reduce costs. It can also be used in designing containers for storing liquids or gases, such as propane tanks or water bottles.

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