Math Problem Statement

Determine dimension x

Determine dimension x

Solution

The image shows a square with side lengths of 12 meters, and an inner triangle where one of the sides (marked as "x") is unknown. There is another right-angled triangle with the dimensions 7 meters and 5 meters.

Here's how to solve for xx:

  1. Right-Angle Triangle in the Square: The larger right-angled triangle is formed by the diagonal of the square (which acts as the hypotenuse) and the two sides of the square, both of which are 12 meters.

    We use the Pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal dd of the square: d=122+122=144+144=28816.97metersd = \sqrt{12^2 + 12^2} = \sqrt{144 + 144} = \sqrt{288} \approx 16.97 \, \text{meters}

  2. Second Triangle Inside the Square: The second triangle has sides of 7 meters and 5 meters, and xx is the third side. Again, we can use the Pythagorean theorem here: x=72+52=49+25=748.6metersx = \sqrt{7^2 + 5^2} = \sqrt{49 + 25} = \sqrt{74} \approx 8.6 \, \text{meters}

Thus, the value of xx is approximately 8.6 meters.

Would you like further clarification or more details?

Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the formula for the Pythagorean theorem, and when is it applied?
  2. How can we verify that a triangle is a right triangle?
  3. How do diagonals behave in other types of polygons, like rectangles or parallelograms?
  4. How does the Pythagorean theorem extend to three-dimensional shapes?
  5. What are some applications of right-angled triangles in real-world scenarios?

Tip: Always double-check if you are dealing with a right triangle before applying the Pythagorean theorem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

d = √(a² + b²)
x = √(c² + d²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10