From: Phil Baker
To: Teacher2Teacher Service
Date: Jul 08, 1999 at 23:48:47
Subject: Reasons for a box size.

I am looking for some insights on a standard calculus problem:

"Find the maximum volume of a box formed by cutting squares from the corners
of a rectangular piece of cardboard, then folding the resulting piece into a
box".

I know how to show the calculus involved in solving the problem. My question
is, does anybody have any real-world insights to other factors,
(manufacturing, marketing, ergonomics, etc.) that influence the size of, for
instance, cereal boxes? I doubt they are the size they are solely due to
maximum volume considerations. (I realize I am mixing 'closed top' and 'open
top' boxes here, but you get the idea). Thanks in advance to any insights that
will help me come up with an impressive presentation on this topic!

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