Geometric Optimization Math Example 3

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Example 3

easy
Two rectangles have the same perimeter of 2424 cm: one is 8ร—48 \times 4 cm and one is 6ร—66 \times 6 cm. Which has greater area? Does this match the P2/16P^2/16 maximum?

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: Area of 8ร—4=328\times4 = 32 cm2^2. Area of 6ร—6=366\times6 = 36 cm2^2. The square has greater area.
  2. 2
    Step 2: P2/16=576/16=36P^2/16 = 576/16 = 36 cm2^2. The square (6ร—66\times6) achieves the maximum. โœ“

Answer

The 6ร—66\times6 square has greater area (3636 cm2^2 vs 3232 cm2^2); it equals the maximum P2/16=36P^2/16 = 36 cm2^2.
The square maximises area for a fixed perimeter. Any non-square rectangle with the same perimeter has strictly less area, confirming that among all rectangles with equal perimeter, the square is optimal.

About Geometric Optimization

Finding the best geometric configuration โ€” the shape that maximizes area, minimizes perimeter, uses the least material, or achieves some other optimal outcome โ€” subject to given constraints.

Learn more about Geometric Optimization โ†’

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