Maximizing the area of a triangle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing the area of a triangle formed by points on the graph of the function y = x². Participants are attempting to clarify the problem statement and the methods for calculating the area, as well as addressing potential errors in provided answers.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance with a problem, claiming the answer to the first part is √x² + √16/x².
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the original post, suggesting that the answer provided does not correspond to the problem stated in the forum.
  • A clarification is made regarding the specific problem being referenced, indicating that it involves finding the value of x for maximum area of a triangle formed by points on the graph.
  • Participants discuss the importance of clear communication in forum posts, including proper titles and image quality for problem statements.
  • One participant expresses doubt about the correctness of the back-of-the-book answers, stating they have worked out the problem independently.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the correctness of the answer provided by the first participant, and the discussion includes differing views on the clarity of the problem statement and the accuracy of the book's answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted potential issues with the problem's presentation and the need for clearer communication, but these concerns remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on calculus problems related to maximizing areas, particularly those involving geometric interpretations and triangle area calculations.

markosheehan
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View attachment 5904

can some1 show me how to do this the answer to the first part is √x²+√16/x²
 

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Re: calculus

"
markosheehan said:
can some1 show me how to do this the answer to the first part is √x²+√16/x²

"The first part" of what? The only problem that is really clear is #26 where the first part asks you to "find the coordinates of point C". The answer to that is certainly not "√x²+√16/x²"!

So you are referring to #25? You are given the graph of y= x^2 and three points on that graph, (-2, 4), (4, 16), and (x, x^2). The lines connecting those points are drawn to form a triangle. The "first part" of #25 asks you to Find the value of x such that this triangle has maximum area.

Ok, what formulas do you know for calculating the area of a triangle? Which of those could you use here?
 
I have edited the thread title to briefly describe the problem. A thread title of "calculus" for a thread posted in our "Calculus" forum gives no additional information about the question being asked.

When attaching images of problems, it is better to hold your camera so that the lens is parallel to the sheet of paper and then crop the image so that only the problem about which you are asking is in the image. This makes it easier for our helpers to interpret the image and the question being asked.

Also, please refrain from "textspeak" in the body of your post. Go ahead and type "someone" instead of "some1" for improved readability (it's only 2 additional keystrokes and looks so much better). :D

I don't mean to be a grumpy ol' meanie, it's just that these are things that help make MHB more useful for everyone.
 
ok and ye the back of the book shows the answers and it must be wrong i worked it out anyway
 

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