Largest Rectangle Inscribed in Parabola

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The largest rectangle that can be inscribed in the region bounded by the parabola defined by the equation y = 4 - x² has its vertices positioned symmetrically along the x-axis. The rectangle's lower vertices are located at (x₀, 0) and (-x₀, 0), while the upper vertices are at (x₀, 4 - x₀²) and (-x₀, 4 - x₀²). It is established that the rectangle must have horizontal and vertical sides to achieve maximum area, a fact that can be proven through symmetry considerations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, particularly optimization techniques.
  • Familiarity with the properties of parabolas and their equations.
  • Knowledge of coordinate geometry, specifically vertex positioning.
  • Ability to apply symmetry in geometric problems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study optimization techniques in calculus, focusing on finding maximum areas.
  • Explore the properties of parabolas and their applications in geometry.
  • Learn about coordinate geometry and how to derive equations for geometric shapes.
  • Investigate the concept of symmetry in mathematical problems and its implications.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, geometry enthusiasts, and educators looking to enhance their understanding of optimization in geometric contexts.

disfused_3289
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
Find the area of the largest rectangle that can be inscribed in the region bounded by the parabola with equation y= 4 - x^2
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I find it difficult to believe that this is not homework and so belongs in the "homework section". I will move it. Also you are expected to show what you have tried.

Are you allowed to assume that the rectangle has horizontal and vertical sides? It can be proved that the largest rectangle must be that way butnot so easy to prove.

Assuming that, take one vertex at (x0,0) (Since it is inscribed in the figure, if one side is horizontal, two vertices must be on the x-axis). It should be easy to see by symmetry that the other vertex must be (-x0, 0). Do you see that the "upper" vertices then are at (x0, 4-x02) and (x0, 4- x02)?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
15K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K