Optimisation for Running a Firebreak
Not what you're looking for?
A forest fire is burning down a narrow valley 3 miles wide at a speed of 40 feet per minute. The fire can be contained by cutting a firebreak through the forest across the valley. It takes 30 seconds for one person to clear one foot of the firebreak. The value of lost timber is $4,000 per square mile. Each person hired is paid $12 an hour, and it costs $30 to transport and supply each person with the appropriate equipment.
a) Develop a model for determining how many people should be sent to contain the fire and for determining the best location of for the firebreak (draw a picture first!).
b) Implement your model on a spreadsheet and find the optimal solution using solver.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
The solution provides detailed explanation how to find the optimization strategy by using excel solver. It includes a hand-drawn graphic illustration of the problem and the excel spreadsheet with the working out.
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Exponential Expressions
In this quiz, you will have a chance to practice basic terminology of exponential expressions and how to evaluate them.
Graphs and Functions
This quiz helps you easily identify a function and test your understanding of ranges, domains , function inverses and transformations.
Probability Quiz
Some questions on probability
Geometry - Real Life Application Problems
Understanding of how geometry applies to in real-world contexts
Multiplying Complex Numbers
This is a short quiz to check your understanding of multiplication of complex numbers in rectangular form.