Maximizing the Area of a Rectangular Enclosure

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 48 views

Maximizing the Area of a Rectangular Enclosure

When it comes to maximizing the area of a rectangular enclosure, there are several factors to consider. In this scenario, David has 400 yards of fencing and wishes to enclose a rectangular area against a pre-existing fence. To maximize the area, David needs to determine the optimal dimensions of the enclosure. In this article, we will explore the equation that David should use to help him maximize the area.

Let's break down the problem and understand what we are trying to achieve. David has 400 yards of fencing, and he wants to enclose a rectangular area. The pre-existing fence will provide one side of the enclosure, so David will need to use the remaining fencing to create the other three sides. The goal is to maximize the area of the enclosure.

To solve this problem, we need to define the variables involved. Let's assume that the length of the enclosure is represented by the variable x. Since the pre-existing fence will provide one side of the enclosure, the width of the enclosure will be 400 - 2x (since the two sides of the enclosure will be x each).

Now that we have defined the variables, we can write the equation for the area of the enclosure. The area of a rectangle is given by the formula A = length × width. In this case, the length is x, and the width is 400 - 2x. Therefore, the area equation is:

A = x(400 - 2x)

To simplify the equation, we can expand the expression:

A = 400x - 2x^2

This equation represents the area of the enclosure as a function of the length x.

To maximize the area, we need to find the value of x that maximizes the equation A = 400x - 2x^2. This is a quadratic equation, and we can use calculus to find the maximum value.

To find the maximum value, we need to take the derivative of the equation with respect to x. The derivative of A = 400x - 2x^2 is:

dA/dx = 400 - 4x

To find the maximum value, we need to set the derivative equal to zero and solve for x:

400 - 4x = 0

Solving for x, we get:

x = 100

Now that we have found the value of x, we can substitute it into the area equation to find the maximum area:

A = 400x - 2x^2 A = 400(100) - 2(100)^2 A = 40000 - 20000 A = 20000

In conclusion, the equation that David should use to help him maximize the area is:

A = x(400 - 2x)

This equation represents the area of the enclosure as a function of the length x. By taking the derivative of the equation and setting it equal to zero, we found that the maximum area occurs when x = 100. Substituting this value into the area equation, we found that the maximum area is 20000 square yards.

The correct answer is A. $f(x) = x(400 - 2x)$
Maximizing the Area of a Rectangular Enclosure: A Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored the equation that David should use to help him maximize the area of a rectangular enclosure. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you better understand the concept and apply it to your own problems.

A: The main goal is to find the optimal dimensions of the enclosure that will result in the maximum possible area.

A: The equation is A = x(400 - 2x), where A is the area and x is the length of the enclosure.

A: To find the maximum area, you need to take the derivative of the equation with respect to x, set it equal to zero, and solve for x. This will give you the value of x that maximizes the area.

A: The derivative of the equation is dA/dx = 400 - 4x.

A: To set the derivative equal to zero, you need to substitute the value of dA/dx into the equation and solve for x. This will give you the value of x that maximizes the area.

A: The value of x that maximizes the area is x = 100.

A: To find the maximum area, you need to substitute the value of x into the area equation A = x(400 - 2x) and solve for A.

A: The maximum area is 20000 square yards.

A: Some real-world applications of maximizing the area of a rectangular enclosure include:

Designing a garden or a park with the maximum possible area
Building a fence or a wall with the maximum possible area
Creating a rectangular shape with the maximum possible area for a specific purpose

In conclusion, maximizing the area of a rectangular enclosure is an important concept that has many real-world applications. By using the equation A = x(400 - 2x) and following the steps outlined in this article, you can find the maximum area and apply it to your own problems.

Q: What is the main goal of maximizing the area of a rectangular enclosure? A: The main goal is to find the optimal dimensions of the enclosure that will result in the maximum possible area.
Q: What is the equation that David should use to help him maximize the area? A: The equation is A = x(400 - 2x), where A is the area and x is the length of the enclosure.
Q: How do I find the maximum area using the equation? A: To find the maximum area, you need to take the derivative of the equation with respect to x, set it equal to zero, and solve for x.

For more information on maximizing the area of a rectangular enclosure, please refer to our previous article.
For more information on calculus and derivatives, please refer to a calculus textbook or online resource.