A field is 40 meters long and 30 meters wide. Calculate the length of the diagonal using the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c², where a and b are the sides of the rectangle, and c is the diagonal.
a = 40, b = 30.
Thus, c = √(40² + 30²) = √(1600 + 900) = 50 meters.
We need circles with centers on the diagonals and radius 1.25m. The diameter of each circle is 2 × 1.25 = 2.5 meters.
For circles not to overlap, the centers must be at least a diameter (2.5m) apart on the diagonal which is 50 meters long.
The number of circle centers that can fit = floor(50 / 2.5) = 20 per diagonal.
Since the rectangle has two diagonals that intersect, consider the intersection point where both diagonals can share a common circle. Therefore, total circles = (20 + 20) - 1 = 39.
However, to optimize circle placement, ensure each circle remains fully within field boundaries. To ensure separation at ends (consider half-circle allowance at each end):
Available length for center placement on each diagonal = 50 - 2 × 1.25 = 47.5 meters.
Max circles with adjusted placement: floor(47.5 / 2.5) = 19 per diagonal.
Thus, for combined diagonals: 19 + 19 circles - 1 shared = 37.
The maximum number of circles is: 37.