Math Problem Statement
Solution
Let's break down the questions based on the image you uploaded and solve them step by step.
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If Misha uses the whole roll of fencing, what are some of the possible dimensions of the pen?
The total perimeter of the rectangular pen is 72 feet. The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula:
Where is the length, and is the width. Since the total fencing is 72 feet, we have:
Dividing the equation by 2:
So, the sum of the length and width must be 36 feet. There are many possible dimensions, such as:
- If , then
- If , then
- If , then
These are just a few examples. The length and width must always add up to 36 feet.
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If Misha wants a pen with the largest possible area, what dimensions should she use for the sides? Justify your answer.
To maximize the area, we use the area formula for a rectangle:
From the equation , we can express as:
Substituting this into the area formula:
Expanding this:
This is a quadratic equation. To maximize the area, we can find the vertex of this parabola. The vertex form of a quadratic equation has its maximum at .
Here, and , so the length that maximizes the area is:
If , then .
Therefore, the dimensions that give the largest possible area are 18 feet by 18 feet, which forms a square.
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Write a model for the area of the rectangular pen in terms of the length of one side. Include both an equation and a graph.
The equation for the area in terms of the length is:
This is a quadratic equation representing a parabola. The graph of this equation will show the maximum area at , where the area reaches its peak.
Would you like me to generate the graph for the area function as well?
Questions for Deeper Understanding:
- What would happen to the area if one side were extremely small, say 1 foot long?
- How does the shape of the pen (square vs. rectangle) affect the area?
- What other shapes might maximize the area for a given perimeter besides rectangles?
- How does the quadratic function help in solving maximization problems like this one?
- Can the same method be applied to different shapes, like circles or triangles, to maximize the area?
Tip: In problems involving maximizing or minimizing areas or other quantities, look for ways to express one variable in terms of another to simplify the calculations.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Algebra
Quadratic Equations
Optimization
Perimeter and Area
Formulas
Perimeter of a rectangle: P = 2l + 2w
Area of a rectangle: A = l * w
Quadratic formula to find maximum area: A(l) = 36l - l^2
Theorems
Vertex of a parabola: The maximum area occurs at the vertex of a quadratic function
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 8-10