Variations on the Wire Problem

In this session we will discuss a classic optimization problem, "How do we cut a piece of wire and bend the pieces into regular polygons to enclose either minimum or maximum area?" 

To help students make sense of this problem, Chris will demonstrate a hands-on activity that students can use to model the problem.  Then we will use the graphing calculator to simulate the process of cutting, bending, and computing the area.  We will use the quantitative reasoning from our simulation as a guide to help us write a mathematical model and then graph the function to find the precise answer to the posed problem. 

The Mathematical Practices in the Common Core Standards addressed in this activity are:

• Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
• Model with mathematics.
• Use appropriate tools strategically.

This workshop is in partnership with CommunEcos. To see them on the web, please visit www.communecos.org.