What is the ratio of the side length of a …

Mathematics Questions

The endpoints of the side of a square lie on the circle and the opposite side of the square tangent to the circle at its midpoint. Find the ratio of the side and the radius.

Short Answer

The summary explains the steps to establish the relationship between radius (r), height (h), and length (L) in a geometric context using key equations. By applying the Pythagorean theorem, it derives the ratio L/r = 8/5, after simplifying the formulated equation.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Relationship Between Variables

In our geometric construction, we have the relationship between radius r, height h, and length L. The key equations to focus on are:

  • r + h = L
  • h = L – r

These equations help establish how the triangle forms between the circle and square, giving a basis for applying Pythagoras’s theorem.

Step 2: Apply Pythagoras’ Theorem

We know that the triangle involving r, h, and half of L is a right triangle. By using Pythagorean theorem, we have:

  • r² = h² + (L/2)²

Next, substitute h with its expression in terms of L and r to formulate the equation:

  • r² = (L – r)² + (L/2)²

Step 3: Simplify and Solve for the Ratio

After expanding and simplifying the equation derived from Pythagoras’ theorem, you can arrive at an equation in terms of L and r:

  • 8r = 5L

From this, you can easily solve for the ratio L/r to get:

  • L/r = 8/5

Related Concepts

Relationship Between Variables

Defines how different variables interact or correlate with each other, particularly in equations

Pythagoras Theorem

A fundamental principle in geometry that relates the lengths of the sides of a right triangle, stating that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides

Ratio

A mathematical expression that shows the relative size of two or more values, often represented as a fraction.

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