Question

Sam takes a sheet of paper and cuts from one corner to the opposite

comer, making two triangles. If the length of the cut is 41 inches and
the paper is 22 inches long, what is the width of the sheet of paper
(nearest tenth)?
41 in
22 in
width

Answer 1

The width is 34.6

Explanation:

You have to assume that the cut is a straight cut.

Givens

c = 41

a = 22

b = ?

Formula

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Solution

22^2 + b^2 = 41^2

484 + b^2 = 1681 Subtract 484 from both sides

484-484 + b^2 = 1681-484 Combine

b^2 = 1197 Take the square root of both sides.

sqrt(b^2) = sqrt(1197)

b = 3*sqrt(133)

b = 34.598

b = 34.6