A rancher wants to enclose two rectangular areas along a barn, on for sheep and one for cattle. There are 240 yards of fencing available. What is the largest total area that can be enclosed?

Question

anonymous · Answer

So, 2WidthCattle + 2LengthSheep + 2WidthCattle + 2 LengthSheep = 240 yards of fencing.

anonymous · Answer

And we know that length * width = area.

anonymous · Answer

but then where do i go from there?

anonymous · Answer

We also know that squares work the best, in terms of area.

anonymous · Answer

So let's simplify our perimeter equation. If all four sides are the same for both pens (to form a square = maximum area), we can simplify the perimeter to 4lenghts + 4lenghts = 240 yards of fencing.

anonymous · Answer

We would do well to maximize both the squares so in the end, we can have 8lengths = 240 yards.

triciaal · Answer

two rectangular areas along a barn,
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