Difference between revisions of "1967 AHSME Problems/Problem 11"

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== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
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The least possible value of the diagonal is when the side lengths are as close as possible. In this case, the perimeter is divisible by <math>4</math>, so we can make a square. Since the perimeter is <math>20</math>, <math>20</math> divided by <math>4</math> is <math>5</math>. So when <math>5</math> is the side length of the square, the diagonal is <math>5\sqrt2</math> or <math>\sqrt50</math>.
 
<math>\fbox{B}</math>
 
<math>\fbox{B}</math>
  

Revision as of 17:27, 21 November 2016

Problem

If the perimeter of rectangle $ABCD$ is $20$ inches, the least value of diagonal $\overline{AC}$, in inches, is:

$\textbf{(A)}\ 0\qquad \textbf{(B)}\ \sqrt{50}\qquad \textbf{(C)}\ 10\qquad \textbf{(D)}\ \sqrt{200}\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ \text{none of these}$

Solution

The least possible value of the diagonal is when the side lengths are as close as possible. In this case, the perimeter is divisible by $4$, so we can make a square. Since the perimeter is $20$, $20$ divided by $4$ is $5$. So when $5$ is the side length of the square, the diagonal is $5\sqrt2$ or $\sqrt50$. $\fbox{B}$

See also

1967 AHSME (ProblemsAnswer KeyResources)
Preceded by
Problem 10
Followed by
Problem 12
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
All AHSME Problems and Solutions

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