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1 Problem Overview

This problem involves calculating the volume of a box, V = lwh. Using guess and a check a student could determine
a few different volumes and create a guess.
Key concepts:
1. Algebraic equations: given a fold distance x, the volume can be expressed as V = (w − 2x)(h − 2x)x

2. The distributive property: (8 − 2x)(10 − 2x)x = 4x3 − 36x2 + 80.


3. Graphing, students may use a graph of the equation to determine the maximum volume of the box (they will
need to use the “max” function on the calculator)
4. Without a calculator, solving this problem involves calculus.

• Assume the paper width and height 8.5 by 11. Gives the equation V = 4x3 − 39x2 + 93.5x √ which can be
78 ± 399
differentiated into 12x2 − 78x + 93.5, setting this equal to 0 gives two solutions: x = , Since 2x
12
cannot exceed the width or height, we are left with the maximal value of x as ≈ 1.59 inches.
• See the maxima calculator file to generate calculations for this problem.
Box Folding – 2010

Activity:
• Show your work in a clear, organized manner
• Solve the Problem
• Bonus for solving it with different strategies
• Summarize and Reflect on this problem
– Verify your solution (can you demonstrate that you must be right?
– Explain your process. How did you solve it?
– Explain anything that confused you and how you figured it out.
– Tell what you learned from working on this problem.
– Are there any important mathematical connections you can make? What mathematical concepts should
be applied to an elegant solution of this problem?

2 Challenge: Paper Box Folding


Fold the largest open box possible, given a piece of printer paper.
3 Solutions

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