Rayleigh quotient

The Rayleigh quotient is like a special math tool. It is used to help figure out the biggest number (called the maximum) of a certain kind of problem. The problems are usually dealing with special kinds of shapes like circles or squares. The Tool helps figure out which shape will have the biggest area (the most space inside) or circumference (the size of the outside). The Rayleigh quotient can also work with other things besides shapes, like numbers. It helps us figure out the biggest number in a group of numbers.