Question

solve for 'b' or 'w': bw+2b(b+w)+2bw=40

Answer 1

You need to provide at least 2 equations to solve for two unknowns, unless you mean to isolate?

Answer 2

yea, i need to get it in terms of either b or w....its part of a larger problem ive had posted but noone seems to be able to help, so id figure i would post it piece by piece

Answer 3

the origional equation was: bw+2bh-2bw=40......i have h=b+w so iplugged that into 'h' in the origional equation

Answer 4

i need to take the derivative, its an optimization problem....i figured i would get it in terms of one variable to make it easier, unless you think taking the derivative like that would be easier?

Answer 5

Could you post the whole problem?

Answer 6

The Volume of a container is given by the equation V=bwh, and the Surface Area is given by the equation SA=bw+2bh+2bw. If you want the height of the container to be equal to the sum of the lenght of the base and width, what is the largest container (volume wise) you can create from 40cm^2 of material? What are the dimensions of the container? (Assume 1 less than or equal to b,w less than or equal to 10 & 2 less than or equal to h less than or equal to 20