Calculate Rectangle Diagonal Segment BO: Given AB=8 and AD=6

Rectangle Diagonals with Intersection Properties

Given the rectangle such that:

O is the intersection point of the diagonals of the rectangle.

Given: AD=6 , AB=8

Calculate the length of the section BO.

AAABBBCCCDDDOOO86

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1

Understand the problem

Given the rectangle such that:

O is the intersection point of the diagonals of the rectangle.

Given: AD=6 , AB=8

Calculate the length of the section BO.

AAABBBCCCDDDOOO86

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll utilize the properties of rectangles and the Pythagorean theorem:

  • Step 1: Determine the full diagonal of the rectangle using Pythagorean theorem: AC=AB2+AD2AC = \sqrt{AB^2 + AD^2}.
  • Step 2: Since OO is the midpoint of the diagonal ACAC, BO=AC2BO = \frac{AC}{2}.

Now, let's calculate step-by-step:

Step 1: We know AB=8AB = 8 and AD=6AD = 6, therefore, using the Pythagorean theorem:

AC=AB2+AD2=82+62=64+36=100=10 AC = \sqrt{AB^2 + AD^2} = \sqrt{8^2 + 6^2} = \sqrt{64 + 36} = \sqrt{100} = 10

Step 2: Since the diagonals bisect each other, the length of BOBO is half of ACAC:

BO=AC2=102=5 BO = \frac{AC}{2} = \frac{10}{2} = 5

Therefore, the solution to the problem is BO=5 BO = 5 .

3

Final Answer

5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Pythagorean Rule: Rectangle diagonal equals square root of length squared plus width squared
  • Technique: Calculate AC=82+62=100=10 AC = \sqrt{8^2 + 6^2} = \sqrt{100} = 10
  • Check: Diagonal segments equal half the full diagonal: BO = 10/2 = 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting that diagonals bisect each other
    Don't calculate the full diagonal and think that's the answer = 10 instead of 5! The intersection point divides each diagonal into two equal parts. Always divide the full diagonal length by 2 to find any diagonal segment.

Practice Quiz

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Angle A is equal to 30°.
Angle B is equal to 60°.
Angle C is equal to 90°.

Can these angles form a triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can I use the Pythagorean theorem on a rectangle?

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A rectangle has four right angles, so the diagonal creates a right triangle with the length and width as legs. The diagonal becomes the hypotenuse, making the Pythagorean theorem perfect for this!

What does it mean that diagonals bisect each other?

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Bisect means cut in half. When diagonals intersect at point O, they split each other into two equal segments. So AO = OC and BO = OD.

How do I know which sides to use in the Pythagorean theorem?

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Use the adjacent sides of the rectangle - the length and width that meet at a corner. In this problem, that's AB = 8 and AD = 6.

Could I use BC and CD instead of AB and AD?

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Yes! In a rectangle, opposite sides are equal, so BC = AD = 6 and CD = AB = 8. You'd get the same diagonal length of 10.

What if I calculated AC as 14 by adding 8 + 6?

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That's addition, not the Pythagorean theorem! You can't just add the sides. You must use 82+62 \sqrt{8^2 + 6^2} because the diagonal forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

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