Minimizing the area of an ellipse confined to a rectangle

In summary, the formula for the area of an ellipse is A = πab, where a and b are the semi-major and semi-minor axes of the ellipse, respectively. To determine the dimensions of a rectangle that can contain an ellipse with a given area, you can use the formula A = xy, where x and y are the length and width of the rectangle. The values of x and y should be chosen such that the rectangle's area is equal to or slightly larger than the area of the ellipse. It is possible to minimize the area of an ellipse while still keeping it within a rectangle by finding the largest possible value for the semi-major axis and the smallest possible value for the semi-minor axis. However, the area of the
  • #1
leprofece
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Calculate the length of the axes of the ellipse's area minimum that can be confined to a rectangle of sides: 2p and 2q

answer Sqrt 2p Sqrt 2q

I have just solved it
 
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and the answer is actually 2p and 2q. This is because the minimum area of an ellipse can be achieved when the ellipse is a circle. In a circle, the length of the axes are equal and are equal to the diameter, which in this case is 2p and 2q. So the length of the axes of the ellipse's minimum area is also 2p and 2q.
 

FAQ: Minimizing the area of an ellipse confined to a rectangle

What is the formula for the area of an ellipse?

The formula for the area of an ellipse is A = πab, where a and b are the semi-major and semi-minor axes of the ellipse, respectively.

How do you determine the dimensions of a rectangle that can contain an ellipse with a given area?

To determine the dimensions of a rectangle that can contain an ellipse with a given area, you can use the formula A = xy, where x and y are the length and width of the rectangle. The values of x and y should be chosen such that the rectangle's area is equal to or slightly larger than the area of the ellipse.

Is there a way to minimize the area of an ellipse while still keeping it within a rectangle?

Yes, there is a way to minimize the area of an ellipse while keeping it within a rectangle. This can be achieved by finding the largest possible value for the semi-major axis (a) and the smallest possible value for the semi-minor axis (b) such that the ratio a/b is equal to the ratio of the rectangle's length to width.

Can the area of an ellipse be smaller than the area of the rectangle containing it?

No, the area of an ellipse cannot be smaller than the area of the rectangle containing it. The rectangle's area is the minimum possible area for the ellipse to be contained within it, but the actual area of the ellipse can be larger depending on the values of a and b.

Are there any real-world applications for minimizing the area of an ellipse confined to a rectangle?

Yes, there are many real-world applications for minimizing the area of an ellipse confined to a rectangle. For example, this concept is used in architectural design to determine the most efficient use of space in a building. It is also used in engineering and manufacturing to optimize the use of materials and resources in the design of products.

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