1. 3.7 Optimization Problems
Buffalo Bill’s Ranch, North Platte, Nebraska
Greg Kelly, Hanford High School, Richland, Washington
Photo by Vickie Kelly, 1999

2. Objective
Solve applied minimum and maximum problems.

3. Four feet of wire is to be used to form a circle and a square
Four feet of wire is to be used to form a circle and a square. How much of the wire should be used for the square and how much should be used for the circle to enclose the maximum area?
Maximize total area x r
Know:

4. Use all the wire to make a circle.
Four feet of wire is to be used to form a circle and a square. How much of the wire should be used for the square and how much should be used for the circle to enclose the maximum area?
Domain: x r
Use all of wire on circle: x=0
Use all wire on square: x=1
0≤x≤1
max
Use all the wire to make a circle.

5. Homework
3.7 (p. 223)
#2c, 25, 31d, 33,
Handout