Question 28265
ok the method u used to solve this was completely wrong but thats ok. :-)
you have to use the pythagorean theorem. the pythagorean theorem can only be used on right triangles and it states: a^2 + b^2= c^2.
a and b are the legs of the right triangle and c is the hypotenuse.

in this question, u r given one of the legs and the hypotenuse. the width would be the leg and the diagnol would be the hypotenuse.
lets set up the equation:
24^2+b^2=50^2
576+b^2=2500
b^2=1924   now take the square root of 1924.
b=43.86    the length is obviously b.

the length is approximately equal to 43.86 inches. it would be 44 inches if you want it to the nearest inch.