A square with a side length of s

inches has a perimeter that is rational. Which of the following could be the length of s
?

(1 point)
Responses

20−−√
square root of 20

39–√
3 square root of 9

12−−√
square root of 12

25–√
2 square root of 5

1 answer

To determine which of the given lengths \(s\) would result in a rational perimeter for a square, we start with the formula for the perimeter \(P\) of a square:

\[ P = 4s \]

The perimeter is rational if \(s\) is rational. Let's evaluate each of the given options for \(s\):

  1. \(\sqrt{20}\): \[ \sqrt{20} = \sqrt{4 \times 5} = 2\sqrt{5} \] This is an irrational number.

  2. \(3\sqrt{9}\): \[ 3\sqrt{9} = 3 \times 3 = 9 \] This is a rational number.

  3. \(\sqrt{12}\): \[ \sqrt{12} = \sqrt{4 \times 3} = 2\sqrt{3} \] This is an irrational number.

  4. \(2\sqrt{5}\): This is already stated as \(s\) being \(2\sqrt{5}\), which is an irrational number.

Thus, among the given options, the only length that results in a rational perimeter when the side length \(s\) is \(3\sqrt{9} = 9\).

Therefore, the correct answer is: \(3\sqrt{9}\)