An interactive applet and associated web page that show the definition and properties of the bounding box of a polygon or set of points. Also known as the circumscribed rectangle. The bounding box is used in other entries to find area using the so-called box method.

The grid, coordinates and calculations can be turned on and off for class problem solving. The applet can be printed in the state it appears on the screen to make handouts.

The web page has a full definition of a bounding box when the coordinates of the points defining it are known, and has links to other pages relating to coordinate geometry and a worked example.

Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. After use in the classroom, student can access it again from any web browser at home or in the library with no login required.

This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.