Optimisation
applied
A soda can or a classic problem from 2014 Exams - Explore the mathematical principles and create your own unique investigation.
Introduction
The lobster pot was an exam question several years ago: Given the volume of this lobster pot is 0.75m3 and is designed so that the length of steel used in its frame is a minimum. Calculate the minimum value of T. That should give some inspiration for modelling. Some more shapes in the examples below.
Guiding Questions
- What is the objective function you want to optimize?
- What constraints apply to this problem?
- How can you use calculus to find maximum or minimum values?
- Can you verify your solution is optimal rather than a local extremum?
- How sensitive is the optimal solution to changes in parameters?
Key Mathematical Concepts
Optimization
Calculus
Maximum and Minimum
Real-World Optimization