3.3+Finding+Distances

10-28-08
 * NP
 * Big Idea:The Dimensions of a Right triangle can be found with limited information.
 * Essential Question:How can i find the perimeter of a right triangle
 * Notes from Class:

Problem 3.3: Finding Distances

 * A1. On the grid on Labsheet 3.3, draw a line segment connecting points A and B. Draw a right triangle with segment AB as its hypotenuse.



A2. Find the lengths of the legs of the triangle**

Leg Z=5u Leg X=2u2


 * A3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle**

The length of the hypotenuse, line segment AB is the square root of 29.I found this by squaring 5 and 2, (5•5=25, 2•2=4) adding the two squares together, (25+4=29), and the length of the hypotenuse is the square root of this. I did not find the exact number, because simply stating that it is the square root of 29 will be more accurate than any estimate I can get with a calculator.


 * B. Use the method described in part A to find the distance between points C and D**

Length of Leg Y=3 Length of Leg W=4

3•3=9 4•4=16

9+16=25

The Length of line segment CD is the square root of 25. (5)


 * C. Use the method described in part A to find the distance between points E and F.**

See above labsheet for triangle.

Length of Leg V=3 Length of Leg U=6

3•3=9 6•6=36

9+36=45

The length of line segment EF is the square root of 45.

Follow Up
See above graph paper for line segments.

I know this line segment has the length of the square root of 13 because the two legs have lengths of 2 and 3. 3**•3=9, 2**•2=4, and 9+4=13.