Question

investigating irrationals
possible points: 12.5
a square raised-bed garden takes up 57.8 square feet of ricardos back yard. which of the following is closest to the length of each side of the garden?
29 ft
15 ft
8 ft
5 ft

Explanation:

Step1: Recall square area formula

The area $A$ of a square is $A = s^2$, where $s$ is the side length. To find $s$, we use $s = \sqrt{A}$.

Step2: Substitute given area value

Substitute $A = 57.8$ into the formula:
$s = \sqrt{57.8}$

Step3: Calculate nearby perfect squares

Calculate squares of option values:
$5^2 = 25$, $8^2 = 64$, $15^2 = 225$, $29^2 = 841$

Step4: Compare to find closest value

57.8 is closest to 64, so $\sqrt{57.8}$ is closest to 8.

Answer:

8 ft