Calculus optimization problem: "What is the smallest perimeter possible for a rectangle whose area is 16 square inches, and what are its dimensions?"

More comments below.

Question

Calculus optimization problem: "What is the smallest perimeter possible for a rectangle whose area is 16 square inches, and what are its dimensions?"

More comments below.

mendicant_bias · Answer

Although I intuitively am aware that it should be a square and that the perimeter can algebraically described as $$P = 2x+2y$$Where x and y are each sides of the rectangle, respectively, I don't know where the calculus comes in.

anonymous · Answer

Whatever I try i keep getting 32

mendicant_bias · Answer

Lol, what? I don't know what you're doing.

anonymous · Answer

I just use random measurements,like 7 and 9

anonymous · Answer

Wait, I am doing it wrong lol

mendicant_bias · Answer

That doesn't help, but thanks anyways. Anyone else care to take a gander?

anonymous · Answer

I found something

anonymous · Answer

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080109204434AAlvRDS

anonymous · Answer

I think i found your assignment lol http://sites.csn.edu/ehutchinson/Notes/4_5NOTES181.pdf

anonymous · Answer

Found it :)

anonymous · Answer

How is this? @Mendicant_Bias

mendicant_bias · Answer

I'm reading it, lol. Calm down.

anonymous · Answer

Sorry

mendicant_bias · Answer

No problem! Thanks for the help. Give me just a minute.

anonymous · Answer

Your welcome ^.^

anonymous · Answer

Was this problem settled?

mendicant_bias · Answer

Yes. Thanks.