You'd be surprised what you can do with a string! The constraint is the length of string, and the task is to maximize area. Given a series of composite shapes, learners must create a formula for the maximum area for a specified perimeter. The shapes involve a combination of circles, rectangles, and triangles resulting in some unique configurations.

Concepts

area, area formulas, area of circles, area of rectangles, area of triangles, decomposition, composite figures, perimeter, perimeter of rectangles, perimeter of triangles

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a hands-on activity by providing groups with different lengths of string to analyze within the context of the problem
• Differentiate by providing individuals with different problems from the set of six

Classroom Considerations

• Requires the ability to calculate areas and perimeters of composite figures

Pros

• Includes images to add clarity to the task
• The task requires a high level of thinking

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSG-MG.A.1