Question

the dimensions of a rectangular piece of paper are 8.5 inches and 11 inches. veronica folded the piece of paper along its diagonal. which measurement is closest to the length of the diagonal in inches? a 6.98 in b 19.5 in c 0.24 in d 13.9 in

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a rectangle with length $l = 11$ inches and width $w=8.5$ inches, the diagonal $d$ of the rectangle satisfies the Pythagorean theorem $d^{2}=l^{2}+w^{2}$. So $d=\sqrt{l^{2}+w^{2}}=\sqrt{11^{2}+8.5^{2}}$.

Step2: Calculate the squares

$11^{2}=121$ and $8.5^{2}=72.25$. Then $l^{2}+w^{2}=121 + 72.25=193.25$.

Step3: Find the square - root

$d=\sqrt{193.25}\approx13.9$ inches.

Answer:

D. 13.9 in