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A supply company manufactures copy machines. The unit cost C (the cost in dollars to make each copy machine) depends on the number of machines made. x machines are made, then the unit cost is given by the function C(x) = 0.9x^2 - 414x + 65,441. What is the minimum unit cost do not round your answer?

A) $C(207)
B) $C(414)
C) $C(441)
D) $C(828)

User Ashli
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the minimum unit cost for the manufacturing of copy machines, we utilize the vertex formula for a quadratic function. Calculating -b/(2a), we determine the x-value to be 230, which when plugged back into the cost function, reveals that none of the options A, B, C, or D are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about finding the minimum unit cost for manufacturing copy machines, given a quadratic function of cost in terms of the number of machines made, C(x) = 0.9x^2 - 414x + 65,441. We recognize this as a parabolic function that opens upwards, since the coefficient of x^2 is positive, suggesting the vertex of the parabola will provide the minimum value.

To find the minimum cost, we need to locate the vertex of the parabola, which occurs at the x-value -b/(2a), where a is the coefficient of x^2 and b is the coefficient of x, derived from the standard form of a quadratic equation, ax^2 + bx + c. In the given function, a is 0.9 and b is -414, therefore:

x = -(-414) / (2 * 0.9)
x = 414 / 1.8
x = 230

Plug this x value into the cost function to find the minimum cost:

C(230) = 0.9(230)^2 - 414(230) + 65,441

Hence, the correct answer is neither A, B, C, nor D, as they do not match the calculated x-value of 230 for the minimum unit cost.

User Michael Defort
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