Objectives
The purpose of this activity is for students to combine some straight forward geometry (similar triangles) to establish a formula for the area of a special triangle so they can use calculus to determine the minimum area.
Vocabulary
- Similar triangles
- Derivative (rational function)
- Minimum
About the Lesson
Students use a dynamic representation of a geometry problem, collect (generate) data and then use their equation to model the data. Once the equation is confirmed, students use differential calculus to determine the minimum area.