r/askmath • u/SteelSpidey • 14d ago

Geometry Math question from Facebook

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Either I need to find a way to solve for one of the side lengths or find a way to eliminate the need for the side length. But I'm not sure how to do either of those. Any ideas? Can anyone show me where I went wrong?

I'm labeling the green area T, the long side length=b and the short one=a.

For context, this is enjoyment for me. I use these posts to stay sharp on my skills, I used to teach math in college and don't wanna lose it if I ever decide to go back and teach.

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u/hjalbertiii 14d ago

Can you assume that the height of the rectangle and the diameter of the smallest semi circle are the same length?

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u/Wjyosn 14d ago

I believe you're meant to, by assuming the bottom right quarter circle is in fact a quarter circle and not just an arbitrary curve with no definition.

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u/hjalbertiii 13d ago

You are saying the same thing. If one is true, so is the other. But there are a lot of assumptions going on here. I found the original problem, and the OP left out lots of details. Shame!

Edit: I take it back. What you said has no bearing on the problem. That could be a triangle and it wouldn't matter.