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Exercise 7.8 · Q8

Q.Prove that among all the rectangles of the given perimeter, the square has the maximum area.

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Fix the perimeter, reduce the area to one variable, and show the maximizing solution is x=yx=y (a square).

Step 1. Set up. Let the perimeter be a fixed constant P=2(x+y)⇒y=P2−xP=2(x+y)\Rightarrow y=\dfrac{P}{2}-x.

A(x)=xy=x(P2−x)=P2x−x2.A(x)=xy=x\left(\frac{P}{2}-x\right)=\frac{P}{2}x-x^2.

Step 2. Differentiate and solve A′(x)=0A'(x)=0.

A′(x)=P2−2x=0 ⇒ x=P4.A'(x)=\frac{P}{2}-2x=0\ \Rightarrow\ x=\frac{P}{4}.

Step 3. Confirm maximum.

A′′(x)=−2<0A''(x)=-2<0, so x=P4x=\dfrac{P}{4} gives the maximum.

Step 4. Find yy and conclude. …

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