A farmer has 100 yards of fencing with which to enclose two adjacent rectangular pens - both bordering a river. The farmer does not need to fence the side with the river. What should the dimensions of the two pens Together (rectangle shape) be in order to yield the largest possible AREA. Thanks T. Adams
The total dimensions should be 25 by 25.
Hi Ms. Sue,
Can you tell me how you came up with those dimensions, so I can understand the problem. Thank you T. Adams
A square gives the largest area.
You need 4 lengths of fence -- 1 parallel to the river and 3 perpendicular to the river. If each fence were 25 yards long -- then the perimeter of the two pens together is 100 yards.
o.k. but the question asked what should the dimensions of the ten pens together be in order to yield the largest possible area - wouldn't that be 1250 feet? I guess I am still confused. Thank you. T. Adams
25 * 25 = 625 sq. yards
Each pen is 12.5 * 25.