Math Problem Statement

How long must the brace be on a closet rod holder if the vertical side is 16 cm and the horizontal side must be attached 29 cm from the wall? Round to the nearest tenth.

Solution

To solve the problem of finding the length of the brace for the closet rod holder, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, as the triangle formed by the vertical, horizontal, and brace is a right triangle.

The Pythagorean theorem states: c2=a2+b2c^2 = a^2 + b^2 Where:

  • cc is the length of the hypotenuse (the brace in this case),
  • aa and bb are the lengths of the other two sides (the vertical and horizontal sides).

In this case:

  • a=16cma = 16 \, \text{cm} (vertical side),
  • b=29cmb = 29 \, \text{cm} (horizontal side).

We need to find cc, the length of the brace: c2=162+292c^2 = 16^2 + 29^2 c2=256+841=1097c^2 = 256 + 841 = 1097 c=109733.1cmc = \sqrt{1097} \approx 33.1 \, \text{cm}

So, the length of the brace is approximately 33.1 cm, rounded to the nearest tenth.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. How would the brace length change if the horizontal side was longer?
  2. What is the angle between the brace and the horizontal side?
  3. How can we calculate the area of this right triangle?
  4. What are other examples where the Pythagorean theorem is useful?
  5. Can you use trigonometry to find other angles in this triangle?

Tip: Always check whether a triangle is a right triangle before using the Pythagorean theorem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem (c² = a² + b²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10