Math Problem Statement

A farmer builds three sections of a fence, as shown in the figure, where L = 20.00 m, and gets tired. Walking straight back to where he started, how far did he have to go?

Solution

The problem involves a right triangle where a farmer builds three sections of a fence. The given value for LL is 20.00m20.00 \, \text{m}, and the diagram shows a right triangle with legs LL and L2\frac{L}{2}. The goal is to determine the distance dd, which is the hypotenuse, that the farmer would need to walk to return to his starting point.

Steps to Solve:

  1. Identify the sides of the triangle:

    • One leg of the triangle L=20.00mL = 20.00 \, \text{m}.
    • The other leg is L2=20.002=10.00m\frac{L}{2} = \frac{20.00}{2} = 10.00 \, \text{m}.
  2. Use the Pythagorean theorem to find dd: d=L2+(L2)2d = \sqrt{L^2 + \left(\frac{L}{2}\right)^2} Substitute the given values: d=(20.00)2+(10.00)2d = \sqrt{(20.00)^2 + (10.00)^2} d=400+100=50022.36md = \sqrt{400 + 100} = \sqrt{500} \approx 22.36 \, \text{m}

Conclusion:

The correct distance dd that the farmer would have to walk back is approximately 22.36m22.36 \, \text{m}.

Would you like more details, or do you have any further questions?

Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the importance of the Pythagorean theorem in real-world applications?
  2. How do you calculate the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle if the lengths of the legs are known?
  3. What happens to the hypotenuse if both legs of a right triangle are doubled?
  4. Can the Pythagorean theorem be applied to non-right triangles? If so, how?
  5. What are the implications of the Pythagorean theorem in construction and design?

Tip: When solving problems involving the Pythagorean theorem, always ensure that the triangle is right-angled before applying the theorem.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Trigonometry

Formulas

Pythagorean theorem: d = √(L^2 + (L/2)^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10