How do you find the dimensions of the rectangle of largest area that can be inscribed in an equilateral triangle of side L if one side of the rectangle lies on the base of the triangle?

Lexi Mcneil

Lexi Mcneil

Answered question

2022-07-19

How do you find the dimensions of the rectangle of largest area that can be inscribed in an equilateral triangle of side L if one side of the rectangle lies on the base of the triangle?

Answer & Explanation

Makenna Lin

Makenna Lin

Beginner2022-07-20Added 16 answers

Let the upper base y of the rectangle be the segment of a line parallel to the base of the equilateral triangle at an unknown distance x from it. In such a way the triangle is divided in two triangles, the equilateral one having height h = L 3 2 2 and
a smaller one having height h 1 = L 3 2 2 - x , that are similar! so we can write the
proportion L y = L 3 2 2 L 3 2 2 - x . By insulating the y we obtain y = L - 2 3 2 x
The rectangle area is S ( x , y ) = x y but
S ( x ) = x ( L - 2 3 2 x ) = L x - 2 3 2 x 2
By deriving S(x) we get S ( x ) = L - 4 3 2 x whose root is x = L 3 2 4 and
consequently y = L - 2 3 2 3 2 4 L = L 2

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Multivariable calculus

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?