2.3+Finding+Lengths

Oct. 14, 2008 SO Problem 2.3
 * Big Idea: The dimensions of a right triangle can be determined with limited information.
 * Essential Question: How can I use square roots to find information about triangles?
 * Notes from Class: a2 + b2= c2
 * On the 5-dot-by-5-dot grids labsheet 2.3, draw line segments of various lengths by connecting dots**. **Try to draw segments with as many different lengths as possible. Use the method described on the previous page to find the length of each segment. To find some lengths, you will need to draw squares that extend beyond the 5-dot-by-5-dot grids. Label each segmant with its length. Use the square root symbol to express lengths that are not whole numbers.**

1. a. **Estimate each length that is not a whole number by measuring the segment with a centimeter ruler.** √5 2.3cm √20 (2 x √5) 4.6cm √17 4.2cm √2 1.4cm √8 (2 x √2) 2.9cm √18 (3 x √2) 4.4cm √32 (4 x √2) 5.8cm √10 3.2cm √13 3.7cm b. **Use your calculator to express each length that is not a whole number as a decimal to the thousandths place.** √5 2.236cm √20 (2 x √5) 4.472cm √17 4.123cm √2 1.414cm √8 (2 x √2) 2.828cm √18 (3 x √2) 4.242cm √32 (4 x √2) 5.656cm √10 3.162cm √13 3.605cm 2. **Express the length of the line segment below by using the square root symbol.** √29
 * Follow Up**

3**. Between what two consecutive whole numbers is the length of the line segment in question 2?** 4,25