Math Problem Statement

Answer

The diagonal of a rectangle divides the right angles into a 60° angle and a 30° angle. If the diagonal has a length of 10, what is the area of the rectangle?

Solution

To solve for the area of the rectangle, we analyze the given problem step by step:


Step 1: Recognize the 30°-60°-90° triangle properties

In a 30°-60°-90° triangle, the relationships between the sides are as follows:

  1. The hypotenuse is twice the shorter leg.
  2. The longer leg is 3\sqrt{3} times the shorter leg.

We are given:

  • The diagonal of the rectangle (hypotenuse of the triangle) is 10.
  • The diagonal divides the rectangle into a 30°-60°-90° triangle.

Let:

  • xx = shorter leg (opposite 3030^\circ),
  • x3x\sqrt{3} = longer leg (opposite 6060^\circ).

Step 2: Find the shorter leg

The hypotenuse is twice the shorter leg, so:

2x=10    x=102=52x = 10 \implies x = \frac{10}{2} = 5

Thus, the shorter leg xx is 5.


Step 3: Find the longer leg

The longer leg is given by:

x3=53x\sqrt{3} = 5\sqrt{3}


Step 4: Calculate the area of the rectangle

The rectangle's area is:

Area=length×width\text{Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width}

Here:

  • Length = 535\sqrt{3} (longer leg),
  • Width = 55 (shorter leg).

Area=5×53=253\text{Area} = 5 \times 5\sqrt{3} = 25\sqrt{3}


Step 5: Final Answer

The area of the rectangle is:

B. 25325\sqrt{3}


Do you need further explanation or another example?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How do the properties of a 30°-60°-90° triangle help in solving geometric problems?
  2. How can you derive the area of a rectangle using diagonals and angles?
  3. What are the side ratios of a right triangle with angles 45°-45°-90°?
  4. How do trigonometric functions relate to special right triangles?
  5. How would the solution change if the diagonal were a different length?

Tip: Always remember the side ratios of special right triangles (30°-60°-90° and 45°-45°-90°) as they simplify calculations significantly.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Special Right Triangles
Rectangle Properties

Formulas

Area = length × width
In a 30°-60°-90° triangle: Hypotenuse = 2 × shorter leg, Longer leg = shorter leg × √3

Theorems

30°-60°-90° Triangle Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10