let the width be x and the length be y
So you will need 2 widths and one length
2x + y = 60
y = 60-2x
area = xy = x(60-2x) = -2x^2 + 60x
At this point you have several options to find the vertex of this parabola, depending of your depth of study into this topic.
Judging by the wording of the question, I would guess you have learned the "completing the square" procedure.
Use it to find the vertex, which will tell you both answers.
A farmer wishes to fence off a rectangular field that
borders a straight river, as shown in the diagram
provided. He does not need to fence the side
bordering the river. The total length of the fencing
is 60 ft long.
a. Use your knowledge of quadratic functions and equations to find the dimensions of the
enclosure that will produce the maximum area.
b. What area will be enclosed?
1 answer