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Grade 12 · Math · Calculus

12th grade Optimization problems worksheet

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Optimization problems

Grade 12 Math Worksheet - Challenge Me

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Circle the best answer, or write your answer on the line.

  1. Jun fences a 256 m² rectangular plot. The front costs $7 per meter; the back and two sides cost $1 per meter. What front length x, in meters, costs least?

  2. Kira fences a 800 m² rectangular plot. The front costs $3 per meter; the back and two sides cost $1 per meter. What front length x, in meters, costs least?

  3. Luz fences a 300 m² rectangular plot. The front costs $5 per meter; the back and two sides cost $1 per meter. What front length x, in meters, costs least?

  4. Milo picks two positive numbers x and y with x + y = 21 so that x · y² is as large as possible. What is y?

  5. Noah picks two positive numbers x and y with x + y = 45 so that x · y² is as large as possible. What is y?

  6. Zee picks two positive numbers x and y with x + y = 33 so that x · y² is as large as possible. What is y?

  7. Tala's pen has area A(x) = x(20 − x), but the yard allows only 0 ≤ x ≤ 8. Which x gives the most area?

    • x = 8, the end of the allowed range
    • x = 10, where the derivative A′(x) = 0
    • x = 0, the starting end of the range
  8. A ball's height is h(t) = 40t − 5t² for 0 ≤ t ≤ 6, and Esme wants the highest point. At which t is it?

    • t = 4, where h′(t) = 0
    • t = 0, the start of the range
    • t = 6, the end of the range
  9. Jun's poster area is P(x) = x(30 − x), but the frame allows only 0 ≤ x ≤ 12. Which x gives the most area?

    • x = 15, where the derivative P′(x) = 0
    • x = 0, the starting end of the range
    • x = 12, the end of the allowed range
  10. Kira's cost is C(x) = x² − 20x + 150 for 0 ≤ x ≤ 6. Which x gives the least cost?

    • x = 10, where the derivative C′(x) = 0
    • x = 0, the starting end of the range
    • x = 6, the end of the allowed range
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12th grade Optimization problems worksheet – printable
Print: 123456

About this worksheet

Optimization: the best size for fences, boxes and other shapes. Every version has 10 questions, and the answer key prints on the second page.

What your child will learn

  • I can write the quantity to make best as a function of one variable.
  • I can find where its derivative is 0 and check it is a maximum or a minimum.
  • I can compare the critical point with the ends of an allowed range.
  • I can answer the question asked: the best size or the best value.

Standard: none (beyond CCSS)

Words to know

optimize: Make something as large or as small as it can be.

critical point: Where the derivative is 0 or does not exist.

allowed range: The x-values the story permits, like 0 ≤ x ≤ 8.

Common mistakes

Dropped the power that comes down when taking a derivative, so qx² gave q instead of 2qx.

Found the best value of the function, but the question asked where it happens (the x).

Used only one of the two equal sides when writing the length. Both widths use fence.

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with optimization problems?

Dropped the power that comes down when taking a derivative, so qx² gave q instead of 2qx.

Are these 12th grade math worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions at each level are free to print, with the answer key, and no account is needed.

More calculus

See all Calculus

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