Education Technology

Max Area, Fixed Perimeter

Author
Subject Area
Math: Algebra II: Quadratics
Level
9-12
Activity Time
45 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-Nspire™ CX series
Resource Types
Lessons

Max Area, Fixed Perimeter

Activity Overview

The student will use a rectangle of fixed perimeter to find the dimensions of the rectangle of maximum area.

Before the Activity

Instruction that precedes this lesson must include discussion and practice with quadratics and regression from data. The skill of data capture may be previously introduced, or introduced at this time.

During the Activity

See student handout. Have each student begin by using the randInt command, and picking a number between 10 and 50 (or something reasonable) for their fixed perimeter. This will randomize the results, but students can still work together and help each other.

After the Activity

Assessment and evaluation:

  • Students' documents provide either formative or summative assessment data for the teacher.
  • A similar problem can be given later and students asked to solve on their own.


  • Activity extensions:
  • Use different shapes for the perimeter part of the problem, but continue to maximize volume
  • Have students build their shapes of maximum volume and create a nice diagram or 3-D display
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    Author
    Subject Area
    Math: Algebra II: Quadratics
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    45 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-Nspire™ CX series
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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