Largest Rectangle Inscribed in Parabola

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the area of the largest rectangle inscribed in a region bounded by a parabola with equation y = 4 - x^2. The conversation also mentions the assumption of horizontal and vertical sides for the rectangle, and suggests taking one vertex at (x0,0) for ease of calculation.
  • #1
disfused_3289
13
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
 
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  • #2
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)?
 

FAQ: Largest Rectangle Inscribed in Parabola

What is the "Largest Rectangle Inscribed in Parabola" problem?

The "Largest Rectangle Inscribed in Parabola" problem asks for the maximum area of a rectangle that can be inscribed in a given parabola. This means that the rectangle's four vertices must lie on the parabola's curve.

What is the significance of this problem?

This problem has practical applications in fields such as engineering, architecture, and physics. It also has mathematical significance as it involves finding the maximum area of a rectangle inscribed in a curve.

What is the solution to this problem?

The solution to this problem involves using calculus and optimization techniques. By finding the derivative of the area function and setting it equal to zero, we can find the critical points and determine the maximum area.

Are there any special cases for this problem?

Yes, there are two special cases. The first is when the parabola is facing downwards, in which case the largest rectangle would be a square. The second is when the parabola is facing upwards and the rectangle's vertices lie on the x-axis, in which case the largest rectangle would have infinitely large area.

Can this problem be generalized to other curves?

Yes, this problem can be generalized to any smooth, continuous curve. However, the solution would differ depending on the specific curve and its equation.

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