Math Problem Statement

A rectangle is inscribed in a circle of radius 8. Let P=(x,y) be the point in quadrant 1 that is a vertex of the rectangle and is on the circle.

Solution

The problem describes a rectangle inscribed in a circle of radius 8, and asks us to focus on one vertex P=(x,y)P = (x, y) of the rectangle, which is located in the first quadrant and lies on the circle.

Step 1: Equation of the Circle

The general equation of a circle centered at the origin with radius rr is: x2+y2=r2x^2 + y^2 = r^2 Since the radius of the circle is 8, the equation of the circle becomes: x2+y2=64x^2 + y^2 = 64 Thus, the point P=(x,y)P = (x, y) satisfies this equation.

Step 2: Symmetry of the Inscribed Rectangle

The rectangle is inscribed in the circle, meaning its diagonals are diameters of the circle. The symmetry of the circle ensures that the opposite vertex to PP is located in quadrant 3 at (x,y)(-x, -y), and the other two vertices lie on the x-axis and y-axis.

Let the dimensions of the rectangle be 2x2x and 2y2y, representing the length and width, as the vertices in quadrants 1 and 3 are symmetrically opposite.

Step 3: Area of the Rectangle

The area AA of the rectangle can be expressed as: A=2x2y=4xyA = 2x \cdot 2y = 4xy This gives the area in terms of xx and yy, with the constraint from the circle equation x2+y2=64x^2 + y^2 = 64.

If you need further exploration or a specific calculation (e.g., finding the maximum area or other geometric properties), please let me know!


Would you like more details or clarifications? Here are 5 related questions to explore this further:

  1. What are the coordinates of all four vertices of the rectangle?
  2. How do you find the maximum area of the rectangle inscribed in a circle?
  3. What is the relationship between the area of the rectangle and the radius of the circle?
  4. How would the problem change if the radius of the circle were different?
  5. What if the rectangle were tilted at an angle inside the circle?

Tip: The diagonals of a rectangle inscribed in a circle always equal the diameter of the circle. This fact can simplify problems like these.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Circles
Rectangles
Symmetry

Formulas

Equation of a circle: x^2 + y^2 = r^2
Area of a rectangle: A = length × width = 4xy

Theorems

The diagonals of a rectangle inscribed in a circle are equal to the circle's diameter.
Pythagoras Theorem (implied in the circle equation)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11