SOLUTION: If all you know are the lengths of the two diagonals of a kite, can you find the perimeter? The length of the diagonal 1 = a, and the length of diagonal 2 = b. How do you know?

Algebra ->  Points-lines-and-rays -> SOLUTION: If all you know are the lengths of the two diagonals of a kite, can you find the perimeter? The length of the diagonal 1 = a, and the length of diagonal 2 = b. How do you know?      Log On


   

Question 360122: If all you know are the lengths of the two diagonals of a kite, can you find the perimeter? The length of the diagonal 1 = a, and the length of diagonal 2 = b. How do you know?
Answer by robertb(5830) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Not possible. The best scenario is, the longer diagonal bisects the shorter diagonal, in which case the lengths of the two shorter (and congruent) sides can be determined, but other the two longer (and also congruent) sides can't be determined, because there isn't enough information. (The shorter diagonal won't bisect the longer diagonal in general.) And because the perimeters would vary as the sides vary, the perimeter can't be exactly determined.