Optimization worksheet with answers

Free printable Optimization worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
xxyx

A rectangular pen is fenced with 240 m of fencing and divided into two parts by one extra fence parallel to the sides of length x (three fences of length x and two of length y in total). Find the largest total area A that can be enclosed.

240 m3x + 2y = 240
A = m²
2.Easy
riverxxy

A farmer has 80 m of fencing to enclose a rectangular field along a straight river. No fence is needed along the river. Find the length y of the side parallel to the river for the largest area.

80 m2x + y = 80
y = m
3.Medium
rh

A closed cylindrical can (with a top and a bottom) must hold 500 cm³. The metal used is proportional to the total surface area. Find the radius r that uses the least material.

V = 500 cm³
r = cm
4.Medium
street side: €40/m€5/myyx

A rectangular plot of 450 m² is fenced on all four sides. The side along the street, of length x, costs €40 per metre; the other three sides cost €5 per metre. Find the minimum total cost C.

A = 450 m²€40/m€5/m
C = €
5.Hard
p (€)R(p)25now

A theatre sells 780 tickets per show at €25 each. Market research shows that every €1 increase in the ticket price means 20 fewer tickets sold (and every €1 decrease, 20 more). Find the maximum revenue R per show.

780 × €2520 / €1
R = €
6.Hard
qP(q)maximum

A small firm sells its product at a fixed market price of €25 per unit. Producing q units costs C(q) = 900 + 6q + 0.05q² euros. Find the maximum profit P.

p = €25C = 900 + 6q + 0.05q²
P = €

Answer key

  1. 1. A = 2400 m²
  2. 2. y = 40 m
  3. 3. r = 4.301 cm
  4. 4. C = 900 €
  5. 5. R = 20480 €
  6. 6. P = 905 €

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