Applied Max-Min Problems:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Draw an appropriate figure, label the parts relevant to the problem.

Find a formula for the quantity to be maximized/minimized.
Use one independent and one dependent variable.
Determine appropriate interval for the variables based from the physical
restrictions.
5. Solve the problem as needed.
a) Find the critical points in (a,b)
b) Evaluate the dependent variable at all critical points and at the end points.
c) The largest and least values in (5b) are the (absolute) maximum and
minimum, respectively.
1. Find a number in the closed interval [1/2, 3/2] such that the sum of the number
and its reciprocal is
a) as small as possible
b) as large as possible
2. How should two non-negative numbers be chosen so that their sum is 1 and the
sum of their squares is
a) as large as possible
b) as small as possible
3. A rectangular field is to be bounded by a fence on three sides and by a straight
stream on the fourth side. Find the dimensions of the field with maximum area
that can be enclosed using 1000 ft of fence.
4. A rectangle is to be inscribed in a right triangle having sides of length 6 in, 8 in,
and 10 in. Find the dimensions of the rectangle with greatest area assuming the
rectangle is positioned as below:

5. Find the point P in the first quadrant on the curve y = x-2 such that a rectangle with
sides on the coordinate axes and a vertex at P has the smallest possible perimeter.