The document describes minimizing the surface area of a cylindrical container with a volume of 250 ml. The variables of radius (r) and height (h) are defined. Taking the derivative of the surface area formula and setting it equal to 0 provides an expression for r in terms of the volume. Plugging this back into the original volume equation provides an expression for h in terms of r. The results are an optimal radius of 3.41 cm and height of 6.83 cm, minimizing the surface area.