Math Problem Statement

A restaurant uses rectangular napkins where the length, l, is twice as long as the width. The length of the napkin along the diagonal is x. What is x in terms of l? Replace a and b with the correct values.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's analyze the information provided and use the Pythagorean theorem.

Problem Breakdown:

  1. The napkin is a rectangle with:
    • Length ll
    • Width ww
    • Diagonal xx
  2. The length ll is twice as long as the width ww, so l=2wl = 2w.
  3. We need to express xx in terms of ll.

Solution:

The diagonal xx of a rectangle can be found using the Pythagorean theorem: x=l2+w2x = \sqrt{l^2 + w^2}

Since l=2wl = 2w, substitute w=l2w = \frac{l}{2} into the equation: x=l2+(l2)2x = \sqrt{l^2 + \left(\frac{l}{2}\right)^2} Expanding (l2)2\left(\frac{l}{2}\right)^2: x=l2+l24=4l2+l24=5l24x = \sqrt{l^2 + \frac{l^2}{4}} = \sqrt{\frac{4l^2 + l^2}{4}} = \sqrt{\frac{5l^2}{4}} Now, simplifying further: x=5l2x = \frac{\sqrt{5} \cdot l}{2}

Final Answer:

Replace aa and bb with the appropriate values: x=52lx = \frac{\sqrt{5}}{2} l

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


Here are some additional related questions to consider:

  1. How would the formula change if ll were three times ww instead of two?
  2. Can you calculate xx if ll is a specific length, say 10 cm?
  3. What happens to the value of xx as ll increases? Does it increase proportionally?
  4. How would you find ww if you only know xx and ll?
  5. If this were a square napkin, how would you calculate the diagonal xx?

Tip: In geometry, remember that the Pythagorean theorem applies to any right triangle, including the ones formed by the diagonals of rectangles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Algebra

Formulas

x = sqrt(a/b) * l
Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10