Calculate Rectangle Perimeter with Isosceles Triangle: 4 and 8 Unit Problem

Rectangle Perimeter with Triangle Diagonal Relationships

Look at the following rectangle:

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE84

ΔAEB is isosceles (AE=EB).

Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle ABCD.

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine the perimeter of the rectangle
00:06 In a rectangle all angles are right angles
00:09 Apply the Pythagorean theorem in triangle ADE
00:12 Insert the appropriate values into the expression and solve to find DE
00:19 Isolate DE
00:30 This is the length of DE
00:42 According to the given data this is an Isosceles triangle
00:48 Opposite sides are equal in a rectangle
00:52 Right angles in a rectangle
00:59 Therefore the triangles are congruent by AAS
01:05 The sides are equal because the triangles are congruent
01:16 The side equals the sum of its parts
01:27 The perimeter of the rectangle equals the sum of its sides
01:37 Let's group the terms together
01:47 Break down 48 into factors of 16 and 3
01:52 Solve the square root of 16
01:56 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the following rectangle:

AAABBBCCCDDDEEE84

ΔAEB is isosceles (AE=EB).

Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle ABCD.

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find ABAB.
  • Step 2: Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle ABCDABCD.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: For triangle ACDACD, where AC=8AC = 8 and AD=4AD = 4, apply the Pythagorean theorem:

AC2=AB2+AD2 AC^2 = AB^2 + AD^2 82=AB2+42 8^2 = AB^2 + 4^2 64=AB2+16 64 = AB^2 + 16 AB2=6416=48 AB^2 = 64 - 16 = 48 AB=48=43 AB = \sqrt{48} = 4\sqrt{3}

Step 2: The perimeter of rectangle ABCDABCD is given by:

Perimeter=2×(AB+AD)=2×(43+4) Perimeter = 2 \times (AB + AD) = 2 \times (4\sqrt{3} + 4) Perimeter=2×4(1+3)=8+83 Perimeter = 2 \times 4(1 + \sqrt{3}) = 8 + 8\sqrt{3}

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 8+1638 + 16\sqrt{3}.

3

Final Answer

8+163 8+16\sqrt3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rectangle Properties: Opposite sides equal, diagonals equal and bisect each other
  • Pythagorean Method: Use AB2+AD2=AC2 AB^2 + AD^2 = AC^2 where AC = 8 and AD = 4
  • Verification: Check that (43)2+42=48+16=64=82 (4\sqrt{3})^2 + 4^2 = 48 + 16 = 64 = 8^2

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing diagonal with side measurements
    Don't use diagonal AC = 8 as the width of the rectangle = wrong perimeter calculation! The diagonal connects opposite corners, not adjacent sides. Always identify which measurement is a side length versus a diagonal using the Pythagorean theorem.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Look at the rectangle below.

Side DC has a length of 1.5 cm and side AD has a length of 9.5 cm.

What is the perimeter of the rectangle?

1.51.51.5AAABBBCCCDDD9.5

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which line is the diagonal?

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The diagonal connects opposite corners of the rectangle. In this problem, AC = 8 is the diagonal because it goes from corner A to corner C. The sides are AB and AD.

Why is triangle AEB mentioned if we use triangle ACD?

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The isosceles triangle AEB tells us about the rectangle's internal structure, but we solve using right triangle ACD because it contains two sides and the diagonal we need.

Can I use the isosceles triangle properties instead?

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While AEB being isosceles gives us information, it's easier to use the right triangle ACD with the Pythagorean theorem since we know two measurements directly.

What if I get a different form for the answer?

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The answer 8+83 8 + 8\sqrt{3} can be written as 8(1+3) 8(1 + \sqrt{3}) , but the given answer 8+163 8 + 16\sqrt{3} suggests checking your calculations carefully.

How do I calculate the perimeter once I find AB?

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Perimeter = 2(length + width). Once you find AB=43 AB = 4\sqrt{3} , use: Perimeter = 2(43+4)=83+8 2(4\sqrt{3} + 4) = 8\sqrt{3} + 8

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