QuestionPeter has 2000 yards of fencing. Find the rectangle dimensions that maximize the area and state the maximum area.
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. Peter has2000 yards of fencing available.
. The fencing is to enclose a rectangular area.
3. We need to find the dimensions of the rectangle that maximize the enclosed area.
STEP 2
Let's denote the length of the rectangle as $$ and the width as $W$. Since the fencing is used to enclose the rectangle, the perimeter of the rectangle is equal to the total fencing available.
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is . We can set this equal to the total fencing available
STEP 3
We can simplify this equation by dividing each term by2
STEP 4
We can express the width in terms of the length W =1000 - L$$
STEP 5
The area of a rectangle is given by the product of its length and width. We can express the area in terms of A = L \times W = L \times (1000 - L)$$
STEP 6
This is a quadratic function, and its maximum value occurs at the vertex. The x-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola given by is . In this case, and , so the length = -\frac{b}{2a} = -\frac{1000}{2(-1)}$$
STEP 7
Calculate the length = -\frac{1000}{2(-1)} =500 \, yards$$
STEP 8
Substitute yards into the equation to find the width that maximizes the area
STEP 9
Substitute yards and yards into the equation to find the maximum area
STEP 10
Calculate the maximum areaThe rectangle that maximizes the enclosed area has a length of500 yards and a width of500 yards. The maximum area is250,000 square yards.
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