Homework Help: Another GRE questions

1. Mar 13, 2010

Dustinsfl

What is the greatest possible area of a triangular region with one vertex at the center of radius 1 and the other two vertices on the circle?

What is the best way to maximize the area of a triangle in this instance?

2. Mar 13, 2010

LCKurtz

Put one vertex at (1,0), the second around at angle θ, calculate the corresponding area and maximize it as a function of θ.

3. Mar 13, 2010

Dustinsfl

The area of a triangle inscribed in circle is 1/2 * (AB)$$^{2}$$ * sin(theta), correct? A 90 degree angle is going to yield maximum multiple of AB; however, is a lesser or greater angle with a longer length going to increase the area more?

4. Mar 13, 2010

LCKurtz

What are A and B? The only variable in the problem is θ. And, no, that is not the correct formula for a triangle with sides A and B and included angle θ.

5. Mar 13, 2010

Dustinsfl

Then what is the formula for the area of a triangle using an angle theta?

6. Mar 13, 2010