3-81 Section 3.6 Additional Insights into Rational Functions 373
b. Enter the cost function C(x) as on a
graphing calculator, and the average cost
function as Using the TABLE feature,
find the cost and average cost of making 1, 2,
and 3 sheds.
c. Scroll down the table to where it appears that
average cost is a minimum. According to the
table, how many sheds should be made each
month to minimize costs? What is the
minimum cost?
d. Graph the average cost function and its
asymptotes, using a window that shows the
entire function. Use the graph to confirm the
result from part (c).
56. Assume the monthly cost of manufacturing
playground equipment that combines a play house,
slides, and swings is modeled by the function
The company has
projected that they will be profitable if they can
bring their average cost down to $200 per set of
playground equipment.
a. Write the average cost function and state the
equation of the vertical and oblique
asymptotes.
b. Enter the cost function C(x) as on a graphing
calculator, and the average cost function A(x) as
Using the TABLE feature, find the cost and
average cost of making 1, 2, and 3 playground
equipment combinations. Why would the
average cost fall so dramatically early on?
c. Scroll down the table to where it appears that
average cost is a minimum. According to the
table, how many sets of equipment should be
made each month to minimize costs? What is the
minimum cost? Will the company be profitable
under these conditions?
d. Graph the average cost function and its
asymptotes, using a window that shows the
entire function. Use the graph to confirm the
result from part (c).
Minimum cost of packaging: Similar to Exercise 54,
manufacturers can minimize their costs by shipping
merchandise in packages that use a minimum amount of
material. After all, rectangular boxes come in different
sizes and there are many combinations of length, width,
and height that will hold a specified volume.
57. A clothing manufacturer wishes
to ship lots of of clothing
in boxes with square ends and
rectangular sides.
12 ft
3
Y
2
.
Y
1
C1x2 5x
2
94x 576.
Y
2
.A1x2
Y
1
a. Find a function S(x, y) for the surface area of
the box, and a function V(x, y) for the volume
of the box.
b. Solve for y in (volume is
and use the result to write the surface area as a
function S(x) in terms of x alone (simplify the
result).
c. On a graphing calculator, graph the function
S(x) using the window
Then graph on the
same screen. How are these two graphs
related?
d. Use the graph of S(x) in Quadrant I to
determine the dimensions that will minimize
the surface area of the box, yet still hold
of clothing. Clearly state the values of x and y,
in terms of feet and inches, rounded to the
nearest in.
58. A maker of packaging materials needs to ship
of foam “peanuts” to his customers across
the country, using boxes with the dimensions
shown.
a. Find a function for
the surface area of the box,
and a function for
the volume of the box.
b. Solve for y in
(volume is , and use
the result to write the surface area as a function
S(x) in terms of x alone (simplify the result).
c. On a graphing calculator, graph the function
S(x) using the window
Then graph
on the same screen. How are
these two graphs related?
d. Use the graph of S(x) in Quadrant I to determine
the dimensions that will minimize the surface
area of the box, yet still hold the foam peanuts.
Clearly state the values of x and y, in terms of
feet and inches, rounded to the nearest in.
Printing and publishing: In the design of magazine
pages, posters, and other published materials, an effort is
made to maximize the usable area of the page while
maintaining an attractive border, or minimizing the page
size that will hold a certain amount of print or art work.
59. An editor has a story that requires 60 in
2
of print.
Company standards require a 1-in. border at the top
and bottom of a page, and 1.25-in. borders along
both sides.
1
2
y 2x
2
4x
x 310, 104; y 3200, 2004.
36 ft
3
2
V1x, y2 36
V1x, y2
S1x, y2
36 ft
3
1
2
12 ft
3
y 2x
2
y 3100, 1004.
x 38, 84;
12 ft
3
2V1x, y2 12
x 2
y
College Algebra—
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