Show that of all the rectangles inscribed in a given fixed circle, the square has the maximum area.
Let a rectangle of length l and breadth b be inscribed in the circle of radius a.
Then, the diagonal passes through the centre and is of length 2a cm.
Now, by Pythagoras theorem, we get,
(2a)2 = l2 + b2
⇒ b2 = 4a2 – l2
⇒ b =
Therefore, Area of rectangle, A =
.
d,
.
.
w, gives 4a2 = 2l2
⇒ l = a
⇒ b =
w, when l =
Then, = -4 < 0
Then, by second derivative test, when l =, then the area of the rectangle is the maximum.
Since, l = b =,
Therefore, the rectangle is square.
Hence proved.