Math Problem Statement

Work out the length of DG in this cuboid. Give your answer to 1 d.p.

Solution

To calculate the length of DGDG in the cuboid, we need to use the Pythagorean theorem in three dimensions. Here's the breakdown:

Step 1: Understanding the diagram

The line DGDG is the diagonal that connects DD (bottom-left corner at the back) to GG (top-right corner at the front). This is a 3D diagonal within the cuboid. To calculate DGDG, we will:

  1. First find the diagonal of the base (DBDB), which lies on the bottom face.
  2. Then use DBDB along with the height of the cuboid to calculate DGDG.

Step 2: Find DBDB (Diagonal of the base)

The base of the cuboid is a rectangle with dimensions 43cm43 \, \text{cm} (length) and 24cm24 \, \text{cm} (width). The diagonal DBDB can be calculated using:

DB=432+242DB = \sqrt{43^2 + 24^2}

DB=1849+576DB = \sqrt{1849 + 576}

DB=242549.25cmDB = \sqrt{2425} \approx 49.25 \, \text{cm}


Step 3: Find DGDG (3D diagonal)

Now, DGDG can be calculated using DBDB and the height of the cuboid (21cm21 \, \text{cm}). Again, use the Pythagorean theorem:

DG=DB2+height2DG = \sqrt{DB^2 + \text{height}^2}

Substitute DB=49.25DB = 49.25 and height = 21:

DG=49.252+212DG = \sqrt{49.25^2 + 21^2}

DG=2425+441DG = \sqrt{2425 + 441}

DG=286653.6cmDG = \sqrt{2866} \approx 53.6 \, \text{cm}


Final Answer:

The length of DGDG is 53.6 cm (to 1 decimal place).


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Relative Questions:

  1. How would you calculate the diagonal of a cuboid given all its dimensions?
  2. Why is the Pythagorean theorem essential for solving 3D diagonal problems?
  3. Can this approach be used for other 3D shapes like pyramids or cylinders?
  4. What is the relationship between 2D and 3D diagonals in geometry?
  5. How can understanding cuboids help in real-life applications, such as architecture?

Tip:

Always start by analyzing the geometric figure and breaking it into simpler parts, like triangles or rectangles, to apply the Pythagorean theorem effectively.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
3D Shapes
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Diagonal of a rectangle: √(length² + width²)
3D diagonal of a cuboid: √(length² + width² + height²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12