Math Problem Statement

Use Pythagoras' theorem to work out the length of the side AD in the rectangle below. Give your answer in centimetres to 2 decimal places.

Solution

The problem asks to find the length of side ADAD in the rectangle using Pythagoras' theorem. From the diagram:

  • ABAB is the unknown side.
  • BDBD, the diagonal, is 5.3 cm.
  • ADAD, the height, is 4 cm.

Using the Pythagorean theorem:

BD2=AB2+AD2BD^2 = AB^2 + AD^2

Substituting the known values:

(5.3)2=AB2+(4)2(5.3)^2 = AB^2 + (4)^2 28.09=AB2+1628.09 = AB^2 + 16 AB2=28.0916=12.09AB^2 = 28.09 - 16 = 12.09 AB=12.093.48cmAB = \sqrt{12.09} \approx 3.48 \, \text{cm}

So, the length of ABAB (which is ADAD) is approximately 3.48 cm, rounded to 2 decimal places.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. What would the length of side ABAB be if the diagonal was 6 cm and ADAD remained 4 cm?
  2. How do you calculate the perimeter of the rectangle with the given dimensions?
  3. What is the area of this rectangle based on the given lengths?
  4. Can Pythagoras' theorem be used in non-right-angled triangles? Why or why not?
  5. How would you find the length of the diagonal if only the lengths of ABAB and ADAD were given?

Tip: Always ensure your final answer is rounded to the required number of decimal places.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagoras' Theorem
Right-Angle Triangle

Formulas

Pythagoras' Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagoras' Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9