The region of experimentation for two factors are temperature (100 ≤ T ≤ 300°F) and catalyst feed rate (10 ≤ C ≤ 30 lb/in). A first-order model in the usual ±1 coded variables has been fit to a molecular weight response, yielding the following model:
(a) Find the path of steepest ascent.
(b) It is desired to move to a region where molecular weights are above 2500. On the basis of the information you have from experimentation in this region, about how many steps along the path of steepest ascent might be required to move to the region of interest?