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Biggest Enclosure

Age 14 to 16
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Three fences of lengths $p$, $q$ and $r$ with $p< q< r$ are arranged to form three sides $AB$, $BC$ and $CD$ of a field $ABCD$ with right angles at $B$ and $C$.


The diagram shows one possibility but the fences can be exchanged to make different enclosures.

The enclosure is completed by joining $A$ and $D$.

How should the rods be arranged to make the area of the enclosure as big as possible?



 


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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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