Maximizing Space in an Isosceles Trapezoid Inside an Ellipse

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing the area of an isosceles trapezoid inscribed within an ellipse defined by the equation x²/a² + y²/b² = 1. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that the maximum area of the trapezoid is 3√3(ab).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express the area of the trapezoid in terms of its height and the dimensions of the ellipse but struggles with the relationship between the trapezoid's bases and the ellipse's parameters. Some participants suggest using the height as a variable and finding corresponding x-values to determine the smaller base's length.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the ellipse and the trapezoid, particularly in solving for x as a function of y to find the smaller base's length. However, there is no explicit consensus on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a potential issue with the parameters of the ellipse being the only factors in the final answer, indicating a need for further exploration of the problem's constraints and relationships.

transgalactic
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i added a photo of the situation

inside an ellipse (its formula x^2 /a^2 + y^2 /b^2 =1)
we block an isosceles trapeze .
the large base of the trapeze is on the X axes.

show that the maximal space of the trapeze is 3^0.5( a*b)?

i tried to get the field of the trapeze by signing the height by X

but if i connect it to the ellipse formula for as x-b

i need another variable for the small base of the trapeze.

how can i solve it?

i tried by integrals but i don't know the formula of the trapeze fonction

what to do?
how do i prove that the maximal space of the trapeze is 3^0.5( a*b)?

please help
 

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Since the height is perpendicular to the x-axis, call it y instead!

What two x-values correspond to y? Their difference is the length of the smaller base.
 
there is no x vaules that are connected to the length of
the small base

we can say that the length of the big base is 2a
but in order to find the little base or the height of the trapeze
there begins the problem
notice that the answer includes only the parameters of the
ellipse fuction??
please help
 
Did you read my first response? Your last post gives no indication that you have!

Solve
[tex]\frac{x^2}{a^2}+ \frac{y^2}{b^2}= 1[/tex]
for x as a function of y. You will get two values of x. There difference is the length of the smaller base. With that you can write the area of the trapezoid as a function of y and then maximize that function.
 
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thank u very much
 

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