On convex polygons of maximal width

Citation
A. Bezdek et F. Fodor, On convex polygons of maximal width, ARCH MATH, 74(1), 2000, pp. 75-80
Citations number
6
Categorie Soggetti
Mathematics
Journal title
ARCHIV DER MATHEMATIK
ISSN journal
0003889X → ACNP
Volume
74
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
75 - 80
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-889X(20000104)74:1<75:OCPOMW>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
In this paper we consider the problem of finding the n-sided (n greater tha n or equal to 3) polygons of diameter 1 which have the largest possible wid th w(n). We prove that w(4) = w(3) = root 3/2 and, in general, w(n) less th an or equal to cos pi/2n. Equality holds if n has an odd divisor greater th an 1 and in this case a polygon P is extremal if and only if it has equal s ides and it is inscribed in a Reuleaux polygon of constant width 1, such th at the vertices of the Reuleaux polygon are also vertices of P.