Help please

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by rarehunternick, Apr 12, 2009.

  1. rarehunternick

    rarehunternick Level II

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    Ok, here is the problem I'm stuck on...


    The manager of a large apartment complex knows from experience that 90
    units will be occupied if the rent is 360 dollars per month. A market
    survey suggests that, on the average, one additional unit will remain
    vacant for each 9 dollar increase in rent. Similarly, one additional
    unit will be occupied for each 9 dollar decrease in rent. What rent
    should the manager charge to maximize revenue?
     
  2. SoC

    SoC Moderator
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    225? quick calc..
     
  3. lazypando

    lazypando Level IV

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    ehhh 585?

    x = rent
    y = # of units

    y = (-1/9)x + some constant

    so plug in the original constraints
    90 = (-1/9)(360) + some constant
    constant = 130

    so y = (-1/9)x + 130

    total profit = rent * # of units
    P = x*y
    P = x*[(-1/9)x + 130]
    P = (-1/9)x^2 + 130x

    take the derivative to maximize
    P' = (-2/9)x + 130

    set the derivative to zero to solve for x
    0 = (-2/9)x + 130
    x = 585

    the manager should set the rent to $585/month
     
  4. SoC

    SoC Moderator
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    Listen to pando :)

    I think what I did was 225 extra, therefore 360+225 = 585 :) same difference <3
     
  5. lazypando

    lazypando Level IV

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    :D
    yeah that's what I was guessing you did but I still wanted to clarify
     
  6. rarehunternick

    rarehunternick Level II

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    thanks B) I understand it now.