Question

An envelope measures 20 centimeters by 48 centimeters. a pencil is placed in the envelope at a diagonal. what is the maximum possible length of the pencil?

A. 15 inches

B. 108 inches

C. 3 inches

D. 52 inches

Answer 1

To find the maximum possible length of the pencil when placed diagonally in the envelope, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem. Plugging in the values, we get the maximum possible length of the pencil as 52 centimeters.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the maximum possible length of the pencil when placed diagonally in the envelope, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem. The diagonal of the envelope represents the hypotenuse of a right triangle, with the length and width of the envelope being the two sides. So, we can use the formula:

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

where c is the length of the pencil and a and b are the length and width of the envelope respectively. Plugging in the values, we get:

c^2 = 20^2 + 48^2

c^2 = 400 + 2304

c^2 = 2704

c = √2704

c = 52 centimeters