1 answer
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Let each side of the square to be cut out be x inches
length of base = 15-2x
width of base = 12-2x
height of box = x
where 0 < x < 6 or else the dimensions make no sense
Volume = x(15-2x)(12-2x)
= 180x - 54x^2 + 4x^3
d(Volume)/dx = 180 - 108x + 12x^2
= 0 for a max/min of Volume
12x^2 - 108x + 180 = 0
x^2 - 9x + 15 = 0
x = (9 ± √21)/2
x = 2.2087 or x = 20.62 , but x < 6
so x = 2.2087
Maximum Volume = 2.2087(10.5826)(7.5826) = 177.2340895 cubic inches
check:
let x = 2.2
Volume = 2.2(10.6)(7.6) = 177.232 , a bit smaller
let x = 2.21
Volume = 2.21(10.58)(7.58) = 177.234044 a tiny bit smaller