MathLabs

Problem 1

In a convex quadrilateral of area 3232, the sum of the lengths of two opposite sides and one diagonal is 1616. Determine all possible lengths of the other diagonal.
Step 4 of 7: Optimize the area bound
In plain words

The given area is exactly the global maximum of the bound.

32≤BD(16−BD)2≤3232\le\frac{BD(16-BD)}2\le32
Detailed analysis

Using the sum condition, 32=Area≤BD(16−BD)232=\mathrm{Area}\le\frac{BD(16-BD)}2. The quadratic f(x)=x(16−x)/2f(x)=x(16-x)/2 has maximum 3232 at x=8x=8, hence both inequalities are equalities and BD=8BD=8.