Volume optimization of a cuboid This is an extension of the Nrich task which is currently live - where students have to find the maximum volume of a cuboid formed by cutting squares of size x from each corner of a 20 x 20 piece of paper. I'm going to use an n x 10 rectangle... Continue Reading →
Optimization of area – an investigation
This is an example of how an investigation into area optimisation could progress. The problem is this: A farmer has 40m of fencing. What is the maximum area he can enclose? Case 1: The rectangle: Reflection - the rectangle turns out to be a square, with sides 10m by 10m. Therefore the area enclosed is... Continue Reading →
How to Avoid The Troll: A Puzzle
This is a nice example of using some maths to solve a puzzle from the mindyourdecisions youtube channel (screencaptures from the video). How to Avoid The Troll: A Puzzle In these situations it's best to look at the extreme case first so you get some idea of the problem. If you are feeling particularly pessimistic... Continue Reading →