Calculate Kite Area: Given Diagonal DB=10 and Side CB=4

Kite Area with Insufficient Data

Look at the kite ABCD below.

Diagonal DB = 10

CB = 4

Is it possible to calculate the area of the kite? If so, what is it?

444101010AAADDDCCCBBB

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Can we calculate the area of a kite? And if so, what is it?
00:03 We'll use the formula to calculate the area of a kite
00:07 (diagonal times diagonal) divided by 2
00:11 Let's substitute appropriate values according to the given data and try to solve
00:15 We have no way to know the length of diagonal AC, therefore there is no solution
00:19 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the kite ABCD below.

Diagonal DB = 10

CB = 4

Is it possible to calculate the area of the kite? If so, what is it?

444101010AAADDDCCCBBB

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine if we can calculate the area of the kite, let's consider the steps we would use given complete data:
To calculate the area of a kite, we typically use the formula:

Area=12×d1×d2 \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times d_1 \times d_2

where d1 d_1 and d2 d_2 represent the lengths of the kite's diagonals.

In this case:

  • We are given that diagonal DB=d1=10 DB = d_1 = 10 cm.
  • However, we lack the length of the other diagonal, AC=d2 AC = d_2 .

Without knowing AC AC , we cannot apply the formula to calculate the area. Thus, given the information provided, it is not possible to determine the area of the kite.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is: It is not possible.

3

Final Answer

It is not possible.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Kite area equals one-half times both diagonal lengths
  • Technique: Use Area=12×d1×d2 \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times d_1 \times d_2 when both diagonals known
  • Check: Verify you have both diagonal measurements before calculating ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to calculate with incomplete information
    Don't assume you can find the area with just one diagonal and a side length = impossible calculation! The kite area formula specifically requires both diagonals, not sides. Always identify what information is missing before attempting calculations.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Indicate the correct answer

The next quadrilateral is:

AAABBBCCCDDD

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I use the side length CB = 4 to find the area?

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Side lengths alone don't determine a kite's area! Unlike triangles or rectangles, kite area depends only on diagonal lengths. The side CB = 4 tells us about the kite's shape but not its total area.

Is there any way to find the missing diagonal AC?

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Not with the given information. To find diagonal AC, you'd need additional data like angles, coordinates, or the other diagonal's relationship to the sides. Just knowing DB = 10 and CB = 4 isn't enough.

What if I tried using triangle area formulas instead?

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That won't work here! While a kite can be split into triangles, you'd still need both diagonals or height measurements for each triangle. We only have one diagonal and one side length.

How do I know when I have enough information for kite problems?

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For kite area, you need both diagonal lengths. For kite perimeter, you need all four side lengths (though kites have two pairs of equal sides). Always check what formula you're using and what data it requires!

Could the answer be one of the other choices like 20 or 40?

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No! Those answers assume you can calculate with incomplete data. Choice 20 might come from 12×10×4 \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 4 , but 4 is a side length, not a diagonal. Always resist the urge to force calculations when data is missing.

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