Question

a right triangle is formed in the first quadrant by the x- and y- axes and a line through the point (1,2). write the length of the hypotenuse as a function of x. find the vertices of the triangle such that its area is a minimum.

Answer 1

let P(x,0) be the x-intercept and Q(0,y) be the y-intercept
label (1,2) as A(1,2)
the slope AP = slope AQ
-2/(x-1) = (2-y)/1
2x - xy - 2 + y = -2
y(1-x) = -2x
y = -2x/(1-x) or 2x/(x-1)

H^2 = x^2 + y^2
= x^2 + ( (2x/(x-1) )^2 --- simplify if needed
(don't know why we are finding the hypotenuse ? )

Area of triangle OPQ
= (1/2)base x height
= (1/2)xy
= (1/2)x(2x/(x-1))
= (1/2) (2x^2/(x-1) )

dA/dx = (1/2) [ (x-1)(4x) - 2x^2(1) ]/(x-1)^2
= (1/2) [ 4x^2 - 4x - 2x^2 ]/(x-1)^2
= 0 for a max of A
2x^2 - 4x = 0
x(2x-4) = 0
x=0 ---- > makes no sense, look at diagram
or
x = 2
then y = 2(2)/(2-1) = 4

the triangle has (2,) and (0, 4) as its vertices for a maximum area

Answer 2

sticky keyboard, last line should obviously say

the triangle has (2,0) and (0, 4) as its vertices for a maximum area

Answer 3

Hi sorry for the late response but this question asked for the minimum but you did the maximum. Was this a typo on your part or would the answer be different for the minimum?

Answer 4

Lee bro you were 8 years late lmaoo