Let's say I have $480 to fence in a rectangular garden. The fencing for the north and south sides of the garden costs $10 per foot and the fencing for the east and west sides costs $15 per foot. How can I find the dimensions of the largest possible garden.?

Nica2t

Nica2t

Answered question

2022-08-12

Let's say I have $480 to fence in a rectangular garden. The fencing for the north and south sides of the garden costs $10 per foot and the fencing for the east and west sides costs $15 per foot. How can I find the dimensions of the largest possible garden.?

Answer & Explanation

Alejandra Blackwell

Alejandra Blackwell

Beginner2022-08-13Added 14 answers

Let's call the length of the N and S sides x (feet) and the other two we will call y (also in feet)
Then the cost of the fence will be:
2 x $ 10 for N+S and 2 y $ 15 for E+W
Then the equation for the total cost of the fence will be:
20 x + 30 y = 480
We separate out the y:
30 y = 480 - 20 x y = 16 - 2 3 x
Area:
A = x y replacing the y in the equation we get:
A = x ( 16 - 2 3 x ) = 16 x - 2 3 x 2
To find the maximum, we have to differentiate this function, and then set the derivative to 0
A = 16 - 2 2 3 x = 16 - 4 3 x = 0
Which solves for x=12
Substituting in the earlier equation y = 16 - 2 3 x = 8
Answer: N and S sides are 12 feet, E and W sides are 8 feet, Area is 96 square feet

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Multivariable calculus

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?