Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals3h 25m
5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives
Applied Optimization
Problem 72b
Textbook Question
Another pen problem A rancher is building a horse pen on the corner of her property using 1000 ft of fencing. Because of the unusual shape of her property, the pen must be built in the shape of a trapezoid (see figure). <IMAGE>
b. Suppose there is already a fence along the side of the property opposite the side of length y. Find the lengths of the sides that maximize the area of the pen, using 1000 ft of fencing.

1
Identify the variables: Let the lengths of the non-parallel sides of the trapezoid be x and z, and the length of the parallel side opposite to y be w. The total fencing used is x + y + z + w = 1000 ft.
Express the area of the trapezoid: The area A of a trapezoid is given by A = 0.5 * (y + w) * h, where h is the height of the trapezoid. We need to express h in terms of x, y, z, and w.
Use the Pythagorean theorem: If the trapezoid is isosceles, the height h can be expressed using the Pythagorean theorem as h = sqrt(x^2 - ((y - w)/2)^2).
Set up the constraint equation: Since there is already a fence along the side of length y, the constraint becomes x + z + w = 1000 ft.
Maximize the area: Substitute the expression for h into the area formula and use the constraint to express one variable in terms of the others. Then, use calculus (take the derivative and find critical points) to find the values of x, z, and w that maximize the area.
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