View Full Version : Quadratic Equation
Madihakazi
May 30, 2011, 06:12 AM
A quadratic equation when the perimeter and diagonal of a rectangle are given.
jcaron2
May 30, 2011, 12:13 PM
If the length and width of the rectangle are a and b, what's the formula for the perimeter?
How about the formula for the diagonal?
Now solve that first equation (the perimeter one) for one of the variables (e.g. a = ?). Then just substitute that value into the second equation (the diagonal one). The result will be a quadratic equation in just one variable.
If you're still unsure what to do, try to at least answer the first two questions I posed, then post back with your results. We'll help you go from there.
Madihakazi
May 31, 2011, 12:43 AM
Can u please tell me the formula for the diagonal of rectangle.
jcaron2
May 31, 2011, 05:08 AM
The diagonal forms a right triangle with two of the sides. So it's length is just the Pythagorean theorem:
D^2=a^2+b^2
Just substitute your value for D (the diagonal) and the solution for a or b from the perimeter equation.