Solving Isosceles Triangle Problem with Calculus

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving the isosceles triangle problem using calculus to determine which vertex angle yields the greatest area. Participants suggest formulating equations for area and perimeter, then differentiating to find the maximum area. The area of the triangle is expressed as S_triangle = (k² * sin(θ)) / 2, where k represents the lengths of the two equal sides and θ is the angle between them. The optimization approach involves treating the area as a function of the angle θ and applying the principle of extremum to identify the angle that maximizes the area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus, particularly differentiation and optimization techniques.
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically sine.
  • Knowledge of the properties of isosceles triangles.
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of optimization in calculus, focusing on finding maxima and minima.
  • Learn how to derive and manipulate trigonometric functions in calculus contexts.
  • Explore the geometric properties of isosceles triangles and their area calculations.
  • Practice solving similar optimization problems involving different geometric shapes.
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for math exams, educators teaching calculus and geometry, and anyone interested in applying calculus to solve geometric optimization problems.

calvinnn
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There was a question on my math test today and i didnt even understand the problem. I want to see if anyone else knows how to do it. So here it goes:
"Use Calculus to prove which vertex angle an isoseles triange the greatest area"

I think your supposed to find a equation for Area and Perimeter. Then take one of the equations and solve for a variable. Plug it into the next equation and then differentiate, like i would do on optimization problems, but i didnt know how to do it with this problem. Below is the figure given.
 

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calvinnn said:
There was a question on my math test today and i didnt even understand the problem. I want to see if anyone else knows how to do it. So here it goes:
"Use Calculus to prove which vertex angle an isoseles triange the greatest area"

I think your supposed to find a equation for Area and Perimeter. Then take one of the equations and solve for a variable. Plug it into the next equation and then differentiate, like i would do on optimization problems, but i didnt know how to do it with this problem. Below is the figure given.

I'm not sure,there might be more to your problem than what i understood:
[tex]S_{triangle} =\frac{k^{2}\sin\theta}{2}[/tex],where k and k are the 2 sides of the isosceles triangle assuled constant and the angle [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle between the 2 congruent segments.
This of S as a function of only one variable,the angle [itex]\theta[/itex] and use the principle of extremum to find the angle for which the area is maximum.Then find that maximum inserting the value for maxmum in the initial function.

As i said,maybe the problem is more complicated,but for now,try to solve it this way.

Daniel.
 
k thankssss :smile:
 

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