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From Heron to Brahmagupta via Lagrange multipliers

  • Semyon Litvinov

    Pennsylvania State University, Hazleton, USA
    From Heron to Brahmagupta via Lagrange multipliers cover
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    Abstract

    We use the method of Lagrange multipliers to find the maximum area – given by the Brahmagupta formula, a generalization of the Heron formula – of a convex quadrilateral with assigned sides directly, bypassing the Bretschneider formula.

    Cite this article

    Semyon Litvinov, From Heron to Brahmagupta via Lagrange multipliers. Elem. Math. (2026), published online first

    DOI 10.4171/EM/585