Problem 1: Rectangle of max area inscribed in a circle Circle radius r. Rectangle sides 2a, 2b with + = . Area = 4ab. By AM-GM: + >= 2ab, so ab <= /2. Max area = 2 (square).
Problem 2: Open box of max volume from a square sheet Sheet side a. Cut squares of side x from corners. V = x(a-2x)^2. V' = (a-2x)(a-6x) = 0. x = a/6 gives max volume = 2/27.
Problem 3: Cylinder of max volume inscribed in a cone Cone height H, radius R. Cylinder radius r, height h. By similar triangles: h = H(1-r/R). V = pi*h = piH*(1-r/R). V' = 0 gives r = 2R/3. Max V = 4pi**H/27.
Problem 4: Closest point on a curve to a given point Minimize distance squared = (x-a)^2 + (f(x)-b)^2. Set d = 0 and solve.
Problem 5: Maximum area of triangle with vertex on a curve Base on x-axis. Vertex at (x, f(x)). Area = baseheight.