Chapter 8: Problem 94
Maximizing Revenue. When priced at \(\$ 30\) each, a toy has annual sales of \(4,000\) units. The manufacturer estimates that each S1 increase in price will decrease sales by 100 units. Find the unit price that will maximize total revenue. (Hint: Total revenue \(=\) price \(\cdot\) the number of units sold.)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Define Variables
Establish Relationships
Express Revenue as a Function
Expand the Revenue Function
Simplify the Revenue Function
Find the Maximum Revenue
Find the Optimal Unit Price
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Functions
In this exercise, we use a quadratic function to express how the revenue, which depends on the price and sales volume, behaves. This quadratic form allows us to explore how changes in the price affect the total revenue, making it a powerful tool for analysis and decision-making.
Parabolas
This behavior indicates that, over the range of possible prices, there is a single maximum point for the revenue. The top of the parabola, or its highest point, represents the maximum revenue we can achieve. This is essential for determining the optimal pricing strategy that would yield the best financial results.
Vertex Formula
Why is this important? The vertex coordinates help us find the maximum (or minimum) point of the parabola. In price optimization, this is crucial because it tells us the price that will maximize revenue. In our exercise, we used this formula to find that the price adjustment \( x \) should be 5, meaning the optimal price is originally \(30 + 5 = \)35.
Price Optimization
In our scenario, we initially have a price of \(30 and are told that increasing the price decreases sales. By setting up a quadratic function to represent revenue as \[ R = (30 + x)(4000 - 100x) \], we were able to simplify and analyze it to find the optimal price. The vertex form of our parabola revealed that adjusting the price to \)35 gave the highest possible revenue. This process showcases how mathematics aids in making smart financial decisions.