Math Problem Statement

The foundation of a building is in the shape of a rectangle, with a length of 20 meters (m) and a width of 18 m.To the nearest meter, what is the distance from the top left corner of the foundation to the bottom right corner?

Solution

The problem asks for the distance from the top left corner of the rectangle to the bottom right corner. This distance corresponds to the diagonal of the rectangle. To calculate the diagonal of a rectangle, we use the Pythagorean theorem:

d=l2+w2d = \sqrt{l^2 + w^2}

Where:

  • dd is the diagonal (distance from top left to bottom right),
  • ll is the length of the rectangle,
  • ww is the width of the rectangle.

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Substitute the given values: l=20m,w=18ml = 20 \, \text{m}, \, w = 18 \, \text{m} d=202+182d = \sqrt{20^2 + 18^2}

  2. Calculate the squares of the length and width: 202=400,182=32420^2 = 400, \, 18^2 = 324

  3. Add the squares: 400+324=724400 + 324 = 724

  4. Take the square root of the sum: d=72426.92md = \sqrt{724} \approx 26.92 \, \text{m}

  5. Round to the nearest meter: d27md \approx 27 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The distance from the top left corner to the bottom right corner of the foundation is approximately 27 meters.


Would you like a detailed geometric diagram or further clarifications?

Here are 5 related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How is the Pythagorean theorem used in other real-world applications?
  2. What is the perimeter and area of this rectangle?
  3. What would the diagonal be if the length were increased by 5 m?
  4. How do you calculate the diagonal of a cube instead of a rectangle?
  5. Can the diagonal length ever be shorter than the width or the length?

Tip: Remember, the diagonal of a rectangle will always be longer than either side but shorter than the sum of both!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Measurement

Formulas

Diagonal of a rectangle: d = √(l² + w²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8