Finding the Length of a Diagonal in a Rectangular Prism using the Pythagorean Theorem

This lesson teaches how to solve for diagonal lengths in rectangular prisms using the Pythagorean Theorem. It begins with a review of the theorem and its application to right triangles. The lesson explains the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures and addresses common misconceptions about solving for diagonals in prisms. It provides a step-by-step guide to writing equations, solving for unknowns, and verifying solutions. The lesson concludes with a review of the process and emphasizes the importance of checking work.

What does the Pythagorean Theorem state?

• a squared plus b squared equals c squared

• a squared plus b squared equals c

• a squared plus b equals c squared

• a plus b equals c squared

What is a common misunderstanding when solving for the diagonal in a rectangular prism?

• It requires four steps

• It requires three steps

• It requires no steps

• It requires only one step

What are the three steps to solve for the diagonal in a rectangular prism?

• Write equations, solve for knowns, skip checking

• Write equations, solve for knowns, check answers

• Write equations, solve for unknowns, check answers

• Write equations, solve for unknowns, skip checking

What is the length of side A in the rectangular prism example?

• 10 centimeters

• 14.14 centimeters

• 20 centimeters

• 24.5 centimeters

How do you verify the solution for the diagonal length?

• By checking if a squared plus b equals c squared

• By checking if a plus b equals c squared

• By checking if a squared plus b squared equals c squared

• By checking if a squared plus b squared equals c

What is the length of the diagonal in the rectangular prism example?

• 20 centimeters

• 24.5 centimeters

• 14.14 centimeters

• 10 centimeters

What is the importance of displaying information on a table when solving for the diagonal?

• It makes the problem more complex

• It helps in visualizing the problem

• It simplifies the problem

• It is unnecessary