Homework Help: math

Posted by Shirley on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 8:42pm.

The equation P=240I-8I^2 represents the power, P, (in watts) of a 240 volt circuit with a resistance of 8 ohms when a current of I amperes is passing through the circuit.

Find the maximum power (in watts)that can be delivered in this circuit.

I had posted this question before, and someone gave me this solution:
- 8 i^2 + 240 i = P

i^2 - 30 i = - P/8

i^2 - 30 i +(30/2)^2 = -P/8 + 225

(i-15)^2 = -P/8 + 225

vertex at i = 15 and P at 225*8 = 1800

From this part on, I don't really get it:
i^2 - 30 i +(30/2)^2 = -P/8 + 225

(i-15)^2 = -P/8 + 225

vertex at i = 15 and P at 225*8 = 1800

Can anyone please explain it to me???THANKS A LOT!

math - drwls, Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 9:44am
There are two ways to do this kind of problem. One is to use calculus, which leaves you with the equation
2I - 30 = 0, leading right away to I = 15. The other way, which does not require calculus, is to use the method of "completing the square". That is what was done in the example you posted. When the equation
P = 240I-8I^2 is rewritten
I^2 - 30 I +(30/2)^2 = -P/8 + 225
= (I-15)^2 , or
P/8 = 225 -(I - 15)^2
you see right away that the maximum value of P is obtained when I = 15.

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Math - The equation P=240I-8I^2 represents the power, P, (in watts) of a 240 ...
math - The equation P=240I-8I^2 represents the power, P, (in watts) of a 240 ...
Algebra - The power in an electric circuit varies inversely with the resistance...
Intermediate Algebra - The amount of current flowing into an electrical circuit ...
science - Calculate the resistance in a circuit in which a 9-volt battery ...
Physics - In an electrical circuit, the current passing through a conductor ...
algebra - If the voltage V, in an electric circuit is held constant,the current,...
beginning algebra - In an electrical circuit, the current passing through a ...
physics - When 3 resistors of 1 ohm resistance each are connected in series to a...
Math - Amperes (abbreviated amp) measure the strength of electric current. An ...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: