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October 22, 2006
Math Solutions
I love math so much, as it always surprises me how everything is connected. I solved the problem algebraically, as the equation of the left side of the triangle is y=x, and the right side can be derived using the two ordered pairs. If the square intersects the left side at (n,n), then the right side of the square intersects at (2n, n). When you subsitute the (2n, n) in for the y and x values for the right line's equation, you get the measure of the side of the square. 20/7
(I'm not including certain key words or equations, again just in case one of my industrious kids is searching.)
Then, my sexy harness-clad friend in Astoria wrote about the math problem, and one of his readers made me feel very silly. He pointed out that the top triangle is a similar triangle to the larger one, making them proportional. Base of big triangle 10, height 4. Little triangle base X, height 4-x. Set up a proportion, cross multiply, and you've got it.
Even more elegant. I am SO JEALOUS. The other math teachers will be so excited when I show them the other solution.
Yes, I know this is sad.
Posted by G at October 22, 2006 06:21 PM
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Comments
GEEK
Posted by: Allen at October 23, 2006 01:33 PM
I want to love math, too. I had to take algebra twice, and never went any further than that. *sigh*
Posted by: goblinbox at October 23, 2006 08:08 PM
Oh.
Posted by: Doug at October 24, 2006 01:24 AM
it's not sad but it does remind me how bad i was at geometry way way back in high school
Posted by: myke at October 24, 2006 08:57 PM