Math Problem Statement

The figure below is a square. Find the length of side x in simplest radical form with a rational denominator.

Solution

To find the length of side xx in simplest radical form for this square, let's analyze the information provided.

Problem Analysis:

  1. The square has a diagonal labeled 8\sqrt{8}.
  2. Since the figure is a square, the diagonal splits the square into two 45-45-90 right triangles.
  3. In a 45-45-90 triangle, the relationship between the legs (which are equal) and the hypotenuse (diagonal) is as follows: Hypotenuse=leg×2\text{Hypotenuse} = \text{leg} \times \sqrt{2} So, if we let the length of each leg (which corresponds to xx) be xx, then we have: x2=8x\sqrt{2} = \sqrt{8}

Solving for xx:

  1. Divide both sides by 2\sqrt{2} to isolate xx: x=82x = \frac{\sqrt{8}}{\sqrt{2}}
  2. Simplify the right side: x=82=4=2x = \sqrt{\frac{8}{2}} = \sqrt{4} = 2

Answer:

The length of side xx in simplest radical form is: x=2x = 2

Would you like further explanation, or do you have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand understanding:

  1. How would you find the side length if the diagonal was given as 18\sqrt{18} instead?
  2. What is the relationship between side lengths and diagonals in a square?
  3. How can you determine the area of a square given only the diagonal?
  4. What are other properties of 45-45-90 triangles that can be useful in geometry problems?
  5. How do you rationalize denominators when simplifying radical expressions?

Tip: In a 45-45-90 triangle, the length of each leg is the hypotenuse divided by 2\sqrt{2}, which is helpful for quickly solving problems involving squares and their diagonals.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Radicals

Formulas

In a 45-45-90 triangle, the hypotenuse equals the leg length times √2
x = diagonal / √2

Theorems

45-45-90 Triangle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10