I need to enclose a section that is 250 square ft with a fence that cost $1.50 per yard, what dimension would i use to minimize the cost?

Answer 1

You don't specify what shape your enclosure is to have.
The shape which has the most area for the least perimeter of course is the circle.
so πr^2 = 250
r = 8.9206
and the circumference
= 2πr = 2π(8.9206)
= 56.05 ft
= 18.68 ft
So you will have to buy 19 yards for a cost of $28.50

If you want a 4-sided shape, it will be a square
side^2 = 250
side = 15.811
perimeter = 4s = 63.25 feet
= 21.08 yards.

in this case you will need 22 yards, since 21 yds are not enough
for a cost of $33