To find the length of the diagonal of the rectangular prism, segment BE, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem.
The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
In this case, segment BE is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. The lengths of the two other sides are the diagonal of the base (segment BH) and the height (44 cm).
So, we can write the equation as:
BE^2 = BH^2 + height^2
Substituting the given lengths, we have:
BE^2 = 40^2 + 44^2
BE^2 = 1600 + 1936
BE^2 = 3536
Taking the square root of both sides, we have:
BE = √3536
BE ≈ 59.5 cm
Therefore, the correct answer is 59.5 cm.
The Pythagorean Theorem in Three Dimensions Quick Check
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Question
Use the image to answer the question.
An illustration of a rectangular prism is shown with labeled parts. The left and back base edges are not visible but their positions are indicated by a dashed line. The 6 vertices are labeled A B C D E F and G. The base edge A B is labeled length. Base edge B C is labeled width. The perpendicular C D is labeled height. A dotted line crosses the rectangular base through the center to show diagonal B H. A dashed line extends up from the base indicating the left rear perpendicular E H. A dotted line crosses from the back top left vertex E to the front bottom right vertex B to show diagonal B E. This dotted line is labeled diagonal.
The length of the prism is 32 cm, the width is 24 cm, the height is 44 cm, and the length of the diagonal of the base, segment BH, is 40 cm. Find the length of the diagonal of the rectangular prism, segment BE. Round the answer to the nearest tenth.
(1 point)
Responses
46.6 cm
46.6 cm
54.4 cm
54.4 cm
51.2 cm
51.2 cm
59.5 cm
59.5 cm
1 answer