From a square piece of cardboard measuring 2a on each side a box with no top is to be formed by cutting out from each corner a square with sides b and bending up the flaps, For what value of b (in terms of a) will the box contain the greatest volume?
From a square piece of cardboard measuring 2a on each side a box with no top is to be formed by cutting out from each corner a square with sides b and bending up the flaps, For what value of b (in terms of a) will the box contain the greatest volume?
The easiest way is to give 'a' a value. 1 is a good choice. Let a=1
Now just solve it like you would solve any of these. (With calculus)
If you end up with b=3 (which it doesn't) then you can say b=3a.
Is that enough help to get you started ?