Math Problem Statement

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

Solution

The figure in the image shows a square, and we are tasked with finding the length of side xx in simplest radical form with a rational denominator.

Given that the square is rotated, it is likely that the line segment labeled 4 represents half the diagonal of the square. The diagonal of a square can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, and the relationship between the side length ss and the diagonal dd is:

d=s2d = s\sqrt{2}

Since the diagonal is split into two equal parts, each part would be d2\frac{d}{2}. The length of each part (4 in this case) can be used to find the side length ss.

Let’s solve this step-by-step:

  1. From the diagram, the length of each half of the diagonal is 4. This implies that the full diagonal is:

d=4×2=8d = 4 \times 2 = 8

  1. Using the relationship d=s2d = s\sqrt{2}, we can substitute the value of the diagonal:

8=s28 = s\sqrt{2}

  1. Solving for ss, divide both sides by 2\sqrt{2}:

s=82s = \frac{8}{\sqrt{2}}

  1. To rationalize the denominator, multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2\sqrt{2}:

s=82×22=822=42s = \frac{8}{\sqrt{2}} \times \frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{8\sqrt{2}}{2} = 4\sqrt{2}

Thus, the length of side xx is 424\sqrt{2}.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or clarification? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you find the diagonal of a square from its side length?
  2. What is the process of rationalizing a denominator in a fraction?
  3. Can you explain the Pythagorean theorem and its application to squares?
  4. How would you calculate the diagonal of a square if the side length were given directly?
  5. What is the significance of the term "simplest radical form" in mathematics?

Tip: When simplifying expressions with radicals, always try to rationalize the denominator to avoid irrational numbers in the denominator.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Radicals
Square Properties

Formulas

Diagonal of a square: d = s√2
Simplifying radicals

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12