#$&* course Phy 232 6/5 1:00 am001. Areas
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Given Solution: `aA 4 m by 3 m rectangle can be divided into 3 rows of 4 squares, each 1 meter on a side. This makes 3 * 4 = 12 such squares. Each 1 meter square has an area of 1 square meter, or 1 m^2. The total area of the rectangle is therefore 12 square meters, or 12 m^2. The formula for the area of a rectangle is A = L * W, where L is the length and W the width of the rectangle. Applying this formula to the present problem we obtain area A = L * W = 4 m * 3 m = (4 * 3) ( m * m ) = 12 m^2. Note the use of the unit m, standing for meters, in the entire calculation. Note that m * m = m^2. FREQUENT STUDENT ERRORS The following are the most common erroneous responses to this question: 4 * 3 = 12 4 * 3 = 12 meters INSTRUCTOR EXPLANATION OF ERRORS Both of these solutions do indicate that we multiply 4 by 3, as is appropriate. However consider the following: 4 * 3 = 12. 4 * 3 does not equal 12 meters. 4 * 3 meters would equal 12 meters, as would 4 meters * 3. However the correct result is 4 meters * 3 meters, which is not 12 meters but 12 meters^2, as shown in the given solution. To get the area you multiply the quantities 4 meters and 3 meters, not the numbers 4 and 3. And the result is 12 meters^2, not 12 meters, and not just the number 12. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q002. What is the area of a right triangle whose legs are 4.0 meters and 3.0 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a triangle is ˝ its base times its height, thus A= (1/2)*4.0m*3.0m=6.0m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aA right triangle can be joined along its hypotenuse with another identical right triangle to form a rectangle. In this case the rectangle would have dimensions 4.0 meters by 3.0 meters, and would be divided by any diagonal into two identical right triangles with legs of 4.0 meters and 3.0 meters. The rectangle will have area A = L * W = 4.0 m * 3.0 m = 12 m^2, as explained in the preceding problem. Each of the two right triangles, since they are identical, will therefore have half this area, or 1/2 * 12 m^2 = 6.0 m^2. The formula for the area of a right triangle with base b and altitude h is A = 1/2 * b * h. STUDENT QUESTION Looking at your solution I think I am a bit rusty on finding the area of triangles. Could you give me a little more details on how you got your answer? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE As explained, a right triangle is half of a rectangle. There are two ways to put two right triangles together, joining them along the hypotenuse. One of these ways gives you a rectangle. The common hypotenuse thus forms a diagonal line across the rectangle. The area of either triangle is half the area of this rectangle. If this isn't clear, take a blade or a pair of scissors and cut a rectangle out of a piece of paper. Make sure the length of the rectangle is clearly greater than its width. Then cut your rectangle along a diagonal, to form two right triangles. Now join the triangles together along the hypotenuse. They will either form a rectangle or they won't. Either way, flip one of your triangles over and again join them along the hypotenuse. You will have joined the triangles along a common hypotenuse, in two different ways. If you got a rectangle the first time, you won't have one now. And if you have a rectangle now, you didn't have one the first time. It should be clear that the two triangles have equal areas (allowing for a little difference because we can't really cut them with complete accuracy). &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q003. What is the area of a parallelogram whose base is 5.0 meters and whose altitude is 2.0 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a parallelogram is the same as the area of a rectangle, length times width. However, the width of the rectangle must be taken perpendicular to the length. A=5.0m*2.0m= 10.0 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aA parallelogram is easily rearranged into a rectangle by 'cutting off' the protruding end, turning that portion upside down and joining it to the other end. Hopefully you are familiar with this construction. In any case the resulting rectangle has sides equal to the base and the altitude so its area is A = b * h. The present rectangle has area A = 5.0 m * 2.0 m = 10 m^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q004. What is the area of a triangle whose base is 5.0 cm and whose altitude is 2.0 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: As mentioned before, the area of a triangle is half of its base times its height. A=(1/2)*5.0m*2.0m = 5.0m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aIt is possible to join any triangle with an identical copy of itself to construct a parallelogram whose base and altitude are equal to the base and altitude of the triangle. The area of the parallelogram is A = b * h, so the area of each of the two identical triangles formed by 'cutting' the parallelogram about the approriate diagonal is A = 1/2 * b * h. The area of the present triangle is therefore A = 1/2 * 5.0 cm * 2.0 cm = 1/2 * 10 cm^2 = 5.0 cm^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q005. What is the area of a trapezoid with a width of 4.0 km and average altitude of 5.0 km? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is half the sum of its bases times its height, and the height must be taken perpendicular to its two bases. In this case, the “half of the sum of its bases” has already been taken care of, because the “average” altitude is given. A= 4.0km*5.0km = 20 km^2 confidence rating #$&*: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aAny trapezoid can be reconstructed to form a rectangle whose width is equal to that of the trapezoid and whose altitude is equal to the average of the two altitudes of the trapezoid. The area of the rectangle, and therefore the trapezoid, is therefore A = base * average altitude. In the present case this area is A = 4.0 km * 5.0 km = 20 km^2. STUDENT SOLUTION ILLUSTRATING NEED TO USE UNITS IN ALL STEPS A=Base time average altitude therefore………A=4 *5= 20 km ^2 INSTRUCTOR COMMENT A = (4 km) * (5 km) = 20 km^2. Use the units at every step. km * km = km^2, and this is why the answer comes out in km^2. Try to show the units and how they work out in every step of the solution. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): I learned this formula, as I stated as A=(1/2)(base1+base2)(height). I didn’t realize until I noticed the wording of the problem that I was taken the average of base. Trapezoids are the only shape that I did not learn to find the area by rearranging it to make a rectangle. I still did the problem correctly, but I guess I just learned a little extra something in the process. ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q006. What is the area of a trapezoid whose width is 4 cm in whose altitudes are 3.0 cm and 8.0 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is the average of the bases times its height. A=(1/2)(8.0cm+3.0cm)(4.0cm)= 22 cm^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area is equal to the product of the width and the average altitude. Average altitude is (3 cm + 8 cm) / 2 = 5.5 cm so the area of the trapezoid is A = 4 cm * 5.5 cm = 22 cm^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q007. What is the area of a circle whose radius is 3.00 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a circle = pi*radius^2: A= pi*(3.00cm)^2 = 9pi cm^2 or 28.3 cm^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a circle is A = pi * r^2, where r is the radius. Thus A = pi * (3 cm)^2 = 9 pi cm^2. Note that the units are cm^2, since the cm unit is part r, which is squared. The expression 9 pi cm^2 is exact. Any decimal equivalent is an approximation. Using the 3-significant-figure approximation pi = 3.14 we find that the approximate area is A = 9 pi cm^2 = 9 * 3.14 cm^2 = 28.26 cm^2, which we round to 28.3 cm^2 to match the number of significant figures in the given radius. Be careful not to confuse the formula A = pi r^2, which gives area in square units, with the formula C = 2 pi r for the circumference. The latter gives a result which is in units of radius, rather than square units. Area is measured in square units; if you get an answer which is not in square units this tips you off to the fact that you've made an error somewhere. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): Which answer is preferred in this class???? The decimal approximation or the exact form? I am extending this question to radicals as well. I included my answer in both forms only to find that the instructor’s solution was also in both forms. Just curious if you have a preference. ####I see that this is addressed later ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q008. What is the circumference of a circle whose radius is exactly 3 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The circumference of a circle is equal to pi times its diameter C=(3 cm)(2)(pi) = 6pi cm or 18.8 cm confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe circumference of this circle is C = 2 pi r = 2 pi * 3 cm = 6 pi cm. This is the exact area. An approximation to 3 significant figures is 6 * 3.14 cm = 18.8 cm. Note that circumference is measured in the same units as radius, in this case cm, and not in cm^2. If your calculation gives you cm^2 then you know you've done something wrong. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q009. What is the area of a circle whose diameter is exactly 12 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: If the diameter of the circle is 12 meters, then the radius of the circle is 6 meters. A=pi*r^2=(6m)^2*pi =36pi m^2 or 113 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a circle is A = pi r^2, where r is the radius. The radius of this circle is half the 12 m diameter, or 6 m. So the area is A = pi ( 6 m )^2 = 36 pi m^2. This result can be approximated to any desired accuracy by using a sufficient number of significant figures in our approximation of pi. For example using the 5-significant-figure approximation pi = 3.1416 we obtain A = 36 m^2 * 3.1416 = 113.09 m^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q010. What is the area of a circle whose circumference is 14 `pi meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: In order to find the area of the circle, I need to first find the radius. I can find the radius using the equation for the circumference of the circle: C=2*pi*r 14pi m=2pi*r r= 7 m Now that I have r, I can find the area: A=pi*r^2 A=pi(7m)^2 = 49pi m^2 or 154 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe know that A = pi r^2. We can find the area if we know the radius r. We therefore attempt to use the given information to find r. We know that circumference and radius are related by C = 2 pi r. Solving for r we obtain r = C / (2 pi). In this case we find that r = 14 pi m / (2 pi) = (14/2) * (pi/pi) m = 7 * 1 m = 7 m. We use this to find the area A = pi * (7 m)^2 = 49 pi m^2. STUDENT QUESTION: Is the answer not 153.86 because you have multiply 49 and pi???? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE 49 pi is exact and easier to connect to radius 7 (i.e., 49 is clearly the square of 7) than the number 153.86 (you can't look at that number and see any connection at all to 7). You can't express the exact result with a decimal. If the radius is considered exact, then only 49 pi is an acceptable solution. If the radius is considered to be approximate to some degree, then it's perfectly valid to express the result in decimal form, to an appropriate number of significant figures. 153.86 is a fairly accurate approximation. However it's not as accurate as it might seem, since you used only 3 significant figures in your approximation of pi (you used 3.14). The first three figures in your answer are therefore significant (though you need to round); the .86 in your answer is pretty much meaningless. If you round the result to 154 then the figures in your answer are significant and meaningful. Note that a more accurate approximation (though still just an approximation) to 49 pi is 153.93804. An approximation to 5 significant figures is 153.94, not 153.86. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q011. What is the radius of circle whose area is 78 square meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: Plugging everything I know into the equation for the area of the circle, I can find the answer: A=pi*r^2 78 m^2=pi*r^2 24.8 m^2 = r^2 r = 5 m appx. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aKnowing that A = pi r^2 we solve for r. We first divide both sides by pi to obtain A / pi = r^2. We then reverse the sides and take the square root of both sides, obtaining r = sqrt( A / pi ). Note that strictly speaking the solution to r^2 = A / pi is r = +-sqrt( A / pi ), meaning + sqrt( A / pi) or - sqrt(A / pi). However knowing that r and A are both positive quantities, we can reject the negative solution. Now we substitute A = 78 m^2 to obtain r = sqrt( 78 m^2 / pi) = sqrt(78 / pi) m.{} Approximating this quantity to 2 significant figures we obtain r = 5.0 m. STUDENT QUESTION Why after all the squaring and dividing is the final product just meters and not meters squared???? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE It's just the algebra of the units. sqrt( 78 m^2 / pi) = sqrt(78) * sqrt(m^2) / sqrt(pi). The sqrt(78) / sqrt(pi) comes out about 5. The sqrt(m^2) comes out m. This is a good thing, since radius is measured in meters and not square meters. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q012. Summary Question 1: How do we visualize the area of a rectangle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: A rectangle is defined as having right angles, meaning that it can be filled with 1-unit squares. These squares fill rows and columns within the rectangle. We can imagine counting the number of squares in a column and in a row. If we wanted to find the total number of squares, we would multiply the number of squares in a column by the number of squares in a row. Ultimately, we end up multiplying the length of the rectangle by the width of the rectangle. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe visualize the rectangle being covered by rows of 1-unit squares. We multiply the number of squares in a row by the number of rows. So the area is A = L * W. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q013. Summary Question 2: How do we visualize the area of a right triangle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: If you cut a rectangle across its diagonal, you would have to right triangles. This means that the area of a right triangle is half of the area of a rectangle, or A=(1/2)base*height. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe visualize two identical right triangles being joined along their common hypotenuse to form a rectangle whose length is equal to the base of the triangle and whose width is equal to the altitude of the triangle. The area of the rectangle is b * h, so the area of each triangle is 1/2 * b * h. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q014. Summary Question 3: How do we calculate the area of a parallelogram? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a parallelogram is exactly the same as the area of a rectangle. However, since the sides of a parallelogram are slanted, instead of the height, we find the “altitude”. This is the height that is perpendicular to the two opposing sides. confidence rating #$&*: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a parallelogram is equal to the product of its base and its altitude. The altitude is measured perpendicular to the base. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q015. Summary Question 4: How do we calculate the area of a trapezoid? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is the average of the two bases times the altitude of the trapezoid. The altitude is found perpendicular to the two bases. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe think of the trapezoid being oriented so that its two parallel sides are vertical, and we multiply the average altitude by the width. Self-critique (if necessary): I think I visualize a trapezoid a bit differently than what is described here, but ultimately the calculation is don exactly the same. ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q016. Summary Question 5: How do we calculate the area of a circle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a circle is the radius squared times pi. If the diameter is given instead of the radius, it is simply divided by 2 first. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe use the formula A = pi r^2, where r is the radius of the circle. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q017. Summary Question 6: How do we calculate the circumference of a circle? How can we easily avoid confusing this formula with that for the area of the circle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The circumference of a circle is either pi times the diameter, or 2pi times the radius. The units for the circumference of a circle should have no exponents. The units for area should be squared. The formula for the area of a circle calls for the radius to be squared, which is the major distinction between the two formulas. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe use the formula C = 2 pi r. The formula for the area involves r^2, which will give us squared units of the radius. Circumference is not measured in squared units. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q018. Explain how you have organized your knowledge of the principles illustrated by the exercises in this assignment. I have had all of these principles memorized since middle school. I understand these formulas backwards and forwards, how they are derived, and when I should use them. Any time I have trouble differentiating between two formulas, I visualize the areas I am trying to find, and think about how I can turn something into a rectangle. Usually, this method allows the formulas to line up. I have always used units to help guide me in solving a problem. Before doing this exercise, I used the squaring of the radius to help me remember which formula is for circumference and which is for area. Honestly, I gained very little from this exercise, but I understand why it may be useful to other students. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK " "001. Areas ********************************************* Question: `q001. There are 11 questions and 7 summary questions in this assignment. What is the area of a rectangle whose dimensions are 4 m by 3 meters. YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a rectangle is its length times its width, or 4m*3m = 12 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aA 4 m by 3 m rectangle can be divided into 3 rows of 4 squares, each 1 meter on a side. This makes 3 * 4 = 12 such squares. Each 1 meter square has an area of 1 square meter, or 1 m^2. The total area of the rectangle is therefore 12 square meters, or 12 m^2. The formula for the area of a rectangle is A = L * W, where L is the length and W the width of the rectangle. Applying this formula to the present problem we obtain area A = L * W = 4 m * 3 m = (4 * 3) ( m * m ) = 12 m^2. Note the use of the unit m, standing for meters, in the entire calculation. Note that m * m = m^2. FREQUENT STUDENT ERRORS The following are the most common erroneous responses to this question: 4 * 3 = 12 4 * 3 = 12 meters INSTRUCTOR EXPLANATION OF ERRORS Both of these solutions do indicate that we multiply 4 by 3, as is appropriate. However consider the following: 4 * 3 = 12. 4 * 3 does not equal 12 meters. 4 * 3 meters would equal 12 meters, as would 4 meters * 3. However the correct result is 4 meters * 3 meters, which is not 12 meters but 12 meters^2, as shown in the given solution. To get the area you multiply the quantities 4 meters and 3 meters, not the numbers 4 and 3. And the result is 12 meters^2, not 12 meters, and not just the number 12. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q002. What is the area of a right triangle whose legs are 4.0 meters and 3.0 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a triangle is ˝ its base times its height, thus A= (1/2)*4.0m*3.0m=6.0m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aA right triangle can be joined along its hypotenuse with another identical right triangle to form a rectangle. In this case the rectangle would have dimensions 4.0 meters by 3.0 meters, and would be divided by any diagonal into two identical right triangles with legs of 4.0 meters and 3.0 meters. The rectangle will have area A = L * W = 4.0 m * 3.0 m = 12 m^2, as explained in the preceding problem. Each of the two right triangles, since they are identical, will therefore have half this area, or 1/2 * 12 m^2 = 6.0 m^2. The formula for the area of a right triangle with base b and altitude h is A = 1/2 * b * h. STUDENT QUESTION Looking at your solution I think I am a bit rusty on finding the area of triangles. Could you give me a little more details on how you got your answer? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE As explained, a right triangle is half of a rectangle. There are two ways to put two right triangles together, joining them along the hypotenuse. One of these ways gives you a rectangle. The common hypotenuse thus forms a diagonal line across the rectangle. The area of either triangle is half the area of this rectangle. If this isn't clear, take a blade or a pair of scissors and cut a rectangle out of a piece of paper. Make sure the length of the rectangle is clearly greater than its width. Then cut your rectangle along a diagonal, to form two right triangles. Now join the triangles together along the hypotenuse. They will either form a rectangle or they won't. Either way, flip one of your triangles over and again join them along the hypotenuse. You will have joined the triangles along a common hypotenuse, in two different ways. If you got a rectangle the first time, you won't have one now. And if you have a rectangle now, you didn't have one the first time. It should be clear that the two triangles have equal areas (allowing for a little difference because we can't really cut them with complete accuracy). &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q003. What is the area of a parallelogram whose base is 5.0 meters and whose altitude is 2.0 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a parallelogram is the same as the area of a rectangle, length times width. However, the width of the rectangle must be taken perpendicular to the length. A=5.0m*2.0m= 10.0 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aA parallelogram is easily rearranged into a rectangle by 'cutting off' the protruding end, turning that portion upside down and joining it to the other end. Hopefully you are familiar with this construction. In any case the resulting rectangle has sides equal to the base and the altitude so its area is A = b * h. The present rectangle has area A = 5.0 m * 2.0 m = 10 m^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q004. What is the area of a triangle whose base is 5.0 cm and whose altitude is 2.0 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: As mentioned before, the area of a triangle is half of its base times its height. A=(1/2)*5.0m*2.0m = 5.0m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aIt is possible to join any triangle with an identical copy of itself to construct a parallelogram whose base and altitude are equal to the base and altitude of the triangle. The area of the parallelogram is A = b * h, so the area of each of the two identical triangles formed by 'cutting' the parallelogram about the approriate diagonal is A = 1/2 * b * h. The area of the present triangle is therefore A = 1/2 * 5.0 cm * 2.0 cm = 1/2 * 10 cm^2 = 5.0 cm^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q005. What is the area of a trapezoid with a width of 4.0 km and average altitude of 5.0 km? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is half the sum of its bases times its height, and the height must be taken perpendicular to its two bases. In this case, the “half of the sum of its bases” has already been taken care of, because the “average” altitude is given. A= 4.0km*5.0km = 20 km^2 confidence rating #$&*: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aAny trapezoid can be reconstructed to form a rectangle whose width is equal to that of the trapezoid and whose altitude is equal to the average of the two altitudes of the trapezoid. The area of the rectangle, and therefore the trapezoid, is therefore A = base * average altitude. In the present case this area is A = 4.0 km * 5.0 km = 20 km^2. STUDENT SOLUTION ILLUSTRATING NEED TO USE UNITS IN ALL STEPS A=Base time average altitude therefore………A=4 *5= 20 km ^2 INSTRUCTOR COMMENT A = (4 km) * (5 km) = 20 km^2. Use the units at every step. km * km = km^2, and this is why the answer comes out in km^2. Try to show the units and how they work out in every step of the solution. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): I learned this formula, as I stated as A=(1/2)(base1+base2)(height). I didn’t realize until I noticed the wording of the problem that I was taken the average of base. Trapezoids are the only shape that I did not learn to find the area by rearranging it to make a rectangle. I still did the problem correctly, but I guess I just learned a little extra something in the process. ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q006. What is the area of a trapezoid whose width is 4 cm in whose altitudes are 3.0 cm and 8.0 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is the average of the bases times its height. A=(1/2)(8.0cm+3.0cm)(4.0cm)= 22 cm^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area is equal to the product of the width and the average altitude. Average altitude is (3 cm + 8 cm) / 2 = 5.5 cm so the area of the trapezoid is A = 4 cm * 5.5 cm = 22 cm^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q007. What is the area of a circle whose radius is 3.00 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a circle = pi*radius^2: A= pi*(3.00cm)^2 = 9pi cm^2 or 28.3 cm^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a circle is A = pi * r^2, where r is the radius. Thus A = pi * (3 cm)^2 = 9 pi cm^2. Note that the units are cm^2, since the cm unit is part r, which is squared. The expression 9 pi cm^2 is exact. Any decimal equivalent is an approximation. Using the 3-significant-figure approximation pi = 3.14 we find that the approximate area is A = 9 pi cm^2 = 9 * 3.14 cm^2 = 28.26 cm^2, which we round to 28.3 cm^2 to match the number of significant figures in the given radius. Be careful not to confuse the formula A = pi r^2, which gives area in square units, with the formula C = 2 pi r for the circumference. The latter gives a result which is in units of radius, rather than square units. Area is measured in square units; if you get an answer which is not in square units this tips you off to the fact that you've made an error somewhere. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): Which answer is preferred in this class???? The decimal approximation or the exact form? I am extending this question to radicals as well. I included my answer in both forms only to find that the instructor’s solution was also in both forms. Just curious if you have a preference. ####I see that this is addressed later ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q008. What is the circumference of a circle whose radius is exactly 3 cm? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The circumference of a circle is equal to pi times its diameter C=(3 cm)(2)(pi) = 6pi cm or 18.8 cm confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe circumference of this circle is C = 2 pi r = 2 pi * 3 cm = 6 pi cm. This is the exact area. An approximation to 3 significant figures is 6 * 3.14 cm = 18.8 cm. Note that circumference is measured in the same units as radius, in this case cm, and not in cm^2. If your calculation gives you cm^2 then you know you've done something wrong. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q009. What is the area of a circle whose diameter is exactly 12 meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: If the diameter of the circle is 12 meters, then the radius of the circle is 6 meters. A=pi*r^2=(6m)^2*pi =36pi m^2 or 113 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a circle is A = pi r^2, where r is the radius. The radius of this circle is half the 12 m diameter, or 6 m. So the area is A = pi ( 6 m )^2 = 36 pi m^2. This result can be approximated to any desired accuracy by using a sufficient number of significant figures in our approximation of pi. For example using the 5-significant-figure approximation pi = 3.1416 we obtain A = 36 m^2 * 3.1416 = 113.09 m^2. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q010. What is the area of a circle whose circumference is 14 `pi meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: In order to find the area of the circle, I need to first find the radius. I can find the radius using the equation for the circumference of the circle: C=2*pi*r 14pi m=2pi*r r= 7 m Now that I have r, I can find the area: A=pi*r^2 A=pi(7m)^2 = 49pi m^2 or 154 m^2 confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe know that A = pi r^2. We can find the area if we know the radius r. We therefore attempt to use the given information to find r. We know that circumference and radius are related by C = 2 pi r. Solving for r we obtain r = C / (2 pi). In this case we find that r = 14 pi m / (2 pi) = (14/2) * (pi/pi) m = 7 * 1 m = 7 m. We use this to find the area A = pi * (7 m)^2 = 49 pi m^2. STUDENT QUESTION: Is the answer not 153.86 because you have multiply 49 and pi???? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE 49 pi is exact and easier to connect to radius 7 (i.e., 49 is clearly the square of 7) than the number 153.86 (you can't look at that number and see any connection at all to 7). You can't express the exact result with a decimal. If the radius is considered exact, then only 49 pi is an acceptable solution. If the radius is considered to be approximate to some degree, then it's perfectly valid to express the result in decimal form, to an appropriate number of significant figures. 153.86 is a fairly accurate approximation. However it's not as accurate as it might seem, since you used only 3 significant figures in your approximation of pi (you used 3.14). The first three figures in your answer are therefore significant (though you need to round); the .86 in your answer is pretty much meaningless. If you round the result to 154 then the figures in your answer are significant and meaningful. Note that a more accurate approximation (though still just an approximation) to 49 pi is 153.93804. An approximation to 5 significant figures is 153.94, not 153.86. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q011. What is the radius of circle whose area is 78 square meters? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: Plugging everything I know into the equation for the area of the circle, I can find the answer: A=pi*r^2 78 m^2=pi*r^2 24.8 m^2 = r^2 r = 5 m appx. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aKnowing that A = pi r^2 we solve for r. We first divide both sides by pi to obtain A / pi = r^2. We then reverse the sides and take the square root of both sides, obtaining r = sqrt( A / pi ). Note that strictly speaking the solution to r^2 = A / pi is r = +-sqrt( A / pi ), meaning + sqrt( A / pi) or - sqrt(A / pi). However knowing that r and A are both positive quantities, we can reject the negative solution. Now we substitute A = 78 m^2 to obtain r = sqrt( 78 m^2 / pi) = sqrt(78 / pi) m.{} Approximating this quantity to 2 significant figures we obtain r = 5.0 m. STUDENT QUESTION Why after all the squaring and dividing is the final product just meters and not meters squared???? INSTRUCTOR RESPONSE It's just the algebra of the units. sqrt( 78 m^2 / pi) = sqrt(78) * sqrt(m^2) / sqrt(pi). The sqrt(78) / sqrt(pi) comes out about 5. The sqrt(m^2) comes out m. This is a good thing, since radius is measured in meters and not square meters. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q012. Summary Question 1: How do we visualize the area of a rectangle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: A rectangle is defined as having right angles, meaning that it can be filled with 1-unit squares. These squares fill rows and columns within the rectangle. We can imagine counting the number of squares in a column and in a row. If we wanted to find the total number of squares, we would multiply the number of squares in a column by the number of squares in a row. Ultimately, we end up multiplying the length of the rectangle by the width of the rectangle. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe visualize the rectangle being covered by rows of 1-unit squares. We multiply the number of squares in a row by the number of rows. So the area is A = L * W. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q013. Summary Question 2: How do we visualize the area of a right triangle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: If you cut a rectangle across its diagonal, you would have to right triangles. This means that the area of a right triangle is half of the area of a rectangle, or A=(1/2)base*height. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe visualize two identical right triangles being joined along their common hypotenuse to form a rectangle whose length is equal to the base of the triangle and whose width is equal to the altitude of the triangle. The area of the rectangle is b * h, so the area of each triangle is 1/2 * b * h. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q014. Summary Question 3: How do we calculate the area of a parallelogram? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a parallelogram is exactly the same as the area of a rectangle. However, since the sides of a parallelogram are slanted, instead of the height, we find the “altitude”. This is the height that is perpendicular to the two opposing sides. confidence rating #$&*: ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aThe area of a parallelogram is equal to the product of its base and its altitude. The altitude is measured perpendicular to the base. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q015. Summary Question 4: How do we calculate the area of a trapezoid? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a trapezoid is the average of the two bases times the altitude of the trapezoid. The altitude is found perpendicular to the two bases. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe think of the trapezoid being oriented so that its two parallel sides are vertical, and we multiply the average altitude by the width. Self-critique (if necessary): I think I visualize a trapezoid a bit differently than what is described here, but ultimately the calculation is don exactly the same. ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q016. Summary Question 5: How do we calculate the area of a circle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The area of a circle is the radius squared times pi. If the diameter is given instead of the radius, it is simply divided by 2 first. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe use the formula A = pi r^2, where r is the radius of the circle. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q017. Summary Question 6: How do we calculate the circumference of a circle? How can we easily avoid confusing this formula with that for the area of the circle? YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Your solution: The circumference of a circle is either pi times the diameter, or 2pi times the radius. The units for the circumference of a circle should have no exponents. The units for area should be squared. The formula for the area of a circle calls for the radius to be squared, which is the major distinction between the two formulas. confidence rating #$&*: 3 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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Given Solution: `aWe use the formula C = 2 pi r. The formula for the area involves r^2, which will give us squared units of the radius. Circumference is not measured in squared units. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK ********************************************* Question: `q018. Explain how you have organized your knowledge of the principles illustrated by the exercises in this assignment. I have had all of these principles memorized since middle school. I understand these formulas backwards and forwards, how they are derived, and when I should use them. Any time I have trouble differentiating between two formulas, I visualize the areas I am trying to find, and think about how I can turn something into a rectangle. Usually, this method allows the formulas to line up. I have always used units to help guide me in solving a problem. Before doing this exercise, I used the squaring of the radius to help me remember which formula is for circumference and which is for area. Honestly, I gained very little from this exercise, but I understand why it may be useful to other students. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Self-critique (if necessary): OK ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique Rating: OK " Self-critique (if necessary): ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique rating: " Self-critique (if necessary): ------------------------------------------------ Self-critique rating: #*&!