An oilfield contains 6 wells that produce a total of 1,800 barrels of oil per day. For each additional well that is drilled, the average production per well decreases by 25 barrels per day. Required:
How many additional wells should be drilled to obtain the maximum amount of oil per day?

The additional wells for maximum amount of oil per day is 3 wells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

initial number of wells, n = 6

total production, T = 1800

average production per well, = 1800/6 = 300 barrels per day

Let the additional well = y

total number of wells after optimization = 6 + y

new production per well = 300 - 25y

new total production = (6+y)(300-25y)

t = 1800 - 150y + 300y - 25y²

t = 1800 + 150y - 25y²

dt / dy = 150 -50y

for maximum value, dt/dy = 0

150 - 50y = 0

50y = 150

y = 150 / 50

y = 3

Therefore, the additional wells for maximum amount of oil per day is 3 wells.