The dimensions of a closed rectangular box are measured as 50 centimeters, 90 centimeters, and 80 centimeters, respectively, with the error in each measurement at most .2 centimeters. Use differentials to estimate the maximum error in calculating the surface area of the box.

Question

anonymous · Answer

need to get the total surface area of the box
L=length, W=Width, H=height
A = 2LW+2WH+2LH
take derivative of that
dA=[2*(dL)*W+2*L*(dW)]+[2*(dW)*H+2*W*(dH)]+[2*(dL)*H+2*L*(dH)]
dA is your maximum error.
since each side has same error its 0.2cm so therefore
dL=dW=dH=0.2cm
L=90cm
W=80cm
H=50cm

just sub in the value in the above equation, and your resulting value will be your maximum error.