SOLUTION: The length of a diagonal of a rectangle is 34 feet. If the length of one of its sides is 16 feet, what is the length of the other side?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The length of a diagonal of a rectangle is 34 feet. If the length of one of its sides is 16 feet, what is the length of the other side?      Log On


   

Question 215384: The length of a diagonal of a rectangle is 34 feet. If the length of one of its sides is 16 feet, what is the length of the other side?
Answer by drj(1380) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The length of a diagonal of a rectangle is 34 feet. If the length of one of its sides is 16 feet, what is the length of the other side?

Step 1. Let a be the unknown side and 16 is the other side.

Step 2. Use the Pythagorean Theorem for this example which states that the sum of the squares of the legs is the square of the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse c is the diagonal of 34 feet and the legs are a and 16 feet for this example or c%5E2=a%5E2%2Bb%5E2 where a and b are the legs of a right triangle.

Step 3. Then solve for a.

c%5E2=a%5E2%2Bb%5E2

34%5E2=a%5E2%2B16%5E2

1156=a%5E2%2B256

1156-256=a%5E2

900=a%5E2

a=30

Step 4. ANSWER: The length of the other side is 30 feet.

I hope the above steps and explanation were helpful.

For Step-By-Step videos on Introduction to Algebra, please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra and for Trigonmetry please visit http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trignometry.

Also, good luck in your studies and contact me at john@e-liteworks.com for your future math needs.

Respectfully,
Dr J