Homework Help: algebra

Posted by lee on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 12:18pm.

Can someone help me with a couple questions and explain to me?

1)The design of a digital box camera maximizes the volume while keeping the sum of the dimensions at 6 inches if the length must be 1.5 times the height what should each dimension be? Hint let x represent one of the dimensions then define the other dimensions in term of x)

2)What are the real or imaginary solutions of the polynomial eqution?
x^4-41x^2=-400

If someone could explain these it would be helpful I don't get them

algebra - Reiny, Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 1:50pm
1. Let the height of the box be x
then the length is 1.5x
let the width be y

so x + 1.5x + y = 6
y = 6 - 2.5x

volume = V = x(1.5x)(y) = 1.5 x^2 y
= 1.5x^2(6-2.5x)
= 9x^2 - 3.75x^3
dV/dx = 18x - 11.25x^2
= 0 for a max of V
x(18-11.25x) = 0
x = 0 --- > makes no sense (would give us minimum V)
or
x = 18/11.25 = 8/5

height = 8/5
length = 1.5(8/5) = 12/5
width = 6-2.5(8/5) = 6-4 = 2

2)
x^4 - 41x^2 + 400) = 0
(x^2 - 25)(x^2 - 16) = 0
x^2 = 25 ----> x = ą 5
or
x^2 = 16 ----> x = ą 4
algebra - lee, Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 3:13pm
Thank you Reiny for your help.

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Algebra - The cost of 5 similar cameras and 3 similar video cameras is $3,213. ...
algebra - I need someone to check my work not sure if I'm doing this right. ...
economics - This table shows the number of labor hours required to produce a ...
education - How can a digital camera and a digital projector be used in a ...
Explanation of Maths Question - Can someone please explain what does these ...
economics - is this a service, greeting or merchandise approach You work as a ...
Math - It is estimated that residents in 60% of households in town own a digital...
Math - It is estimated that residents in 60% of households in town own a digital...
Physics - A certain digital camera having a lens with focal length 7.5 cm ...
Physics - A certain digital camera having a lens with focal length 7.5 cm ...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: