A variant of the isoperimetric problem. I. (Q943466)

The authors consider the problem of finding the region in the plane of largest area which (a) has a given perimeter \(L\); and (b) contains a line segment of length \(\delta\). Naturally, one requires that \(2\delta < L\) and, to avoid the usual solution to the isoperimetric problem, that \(L < \pi \delta\). This appears to be related to the Favard problem of finding the region with prescribed perimeter and area and having the largest diameter. The solution is the same, namely the intersection of two equal discs (a symmetric lens).