Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Volume of a Cylinder
The volume of a right circular cylinder is calculated using the formula V = πr²h, where r is the radius and h is the height. In this problem, the volume is fixed at 50 m³, which means that any solution must satisfy this equation. Understanding how to manipulate this formula is essential for relating the dimensions of the cylinder to its volume.
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Example 5: Packaging Design
Surface Area of a Cylinder
The surface area of a right circular cylinder consists of the lateral area and the area of the circular top. The formula for the total surface area A is A = 2πrh + πr², where the first term represents the lateral surface area and the second term accounts for the top. Minimizing this surface area while maintaining a constant volume is the core objective of the problem.
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Example 1: Minimizing Surface Area
Optimization Techniques
Optimization in calculus involves finding the maximum or minimum values of a function. In this context, we will use techniques such as setting up a function for the surface area in terms of one variable (using the volume constraint) and applying derivatives to find critical points. Understanding how to apply the first and second derivative tests is crucial for determining the dimensions that minimize the painted surface area.
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