General Mathematics

Mathematical Modelling
Mathematical Modelling

Finding the function that describes the relationship

between two quantities is known as modelling. Once the

model is determined it is used to solve the problem or

predict the properties of the object being studied.

Examples
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b. Find the number of yards required if the length of the unfenced side is
50 yards.
2. A cardboard box manufacturer wishes to make open boxes from rectangular pieces of
cardboard with dimensions 8 in. by 16 in. by cutting equal squares from the four corners and
turning up the sides. Find a mathematical model expressing the volume of the box as a
function of the length of the side of the square cut.
•
BUSINESS APPLICATION

In business, one of the most important model is the model for

the profit. Fixed cost is the cost that must be paid whether or not

output is produced and sold (rent, insurance, utilities, etc). Variable

cost is the cost od producing a single unit of merchandise.

Total Cost is the sum of the fixed cost (FC) and variable cost (VC).
TC = FC + VC

Total revenue is the amount that the manufacturer receives by selling the
merchandise.
Total revenue (TR)= price per unit x number of units sold.

Profit is the difference between total revenue (TR) and the total cost (TC).
P = TR - TC
4. For a new product, a manufacturer spends P150,000 on the infrastructure
and the variable cost is estimated as P130 per unit of the product. The selling
price per unit was fixed at P180. Let x be the number of units produced and
sold. Find the:
a. Total cost function

a. Cost of producing 20 units

c. Revenue function

d. Revenue when 20 units is produced and sold

e. Profit function

f. Profit of producing and selling 200 000 units

g. Number of units the manufacturer has produced and sold when the profit is P1,500

h. Number of units the manufacturer that must be produced and sold to break even
PIECEWISE FUNCTION APPLICATION

5. A wholesaler sells a product by the pound (or a fraction of a pound); if not more than 10
pounds are ordered, the wholesaler charges P100 per pound, to invite large orders the
wholesaler charges only P90 per pound if more than 10 pounds are ordered. Find the
mathematical model expressing the total cost of the order as a function of the amount of a
product ordered (x)
6. Shipping charges are often base on a formula that offers a lower charge per pound as the
size of the shipment is increased. Suppose shipping charges are as follows: P2.20 per pound
if the weight does not exceed 50 lbs; P2.10 per pound if the weight is more than 50 lbs but
does not exceed 200 lbs.; P2.05 per pound if the weight is more than 200 lbs. Find the
mathematical model expressing the total cost of a shipment as a function of its weight (x).
7. A user is charged P450 monthly for a particular mobile plan, which includes 100 free text
messages. Messages in excess of 100 are charged P1 each. Represent the amount a costumer
pays each month as a function of the number of messages m sent in a month.