Final answer:
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we calculate the length of the other side of the rectangular flag to be approximately 28.8 inches, with the closest given option being 28.3 inches (Option B).
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the approximate length of the other side of the rectangular flag, we use the Pythagorean theorem which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. This can be written as c^2 = a^2 + b^2 where c is the length of the hypotenuse, and a and b are the lengths of the triangle's other two sides.
Given one side of the rectangular flag (width) is 21.6 inches (a) and the diagonal (hypotenuse) is 36 inches (c), we can find the length of the other side (length) by rearranging the Pythagorean theorem to b = √(c^2 - a^2).
Plugging in the values:
b = √(36^2 - 21.6^2)
= √(1296 - 466.56)
= √(829.44)
= 28.8 inches (approximately)
However, the given options do not include 28.8 inches. Option B) 28.3 inches is the closest to our calculated value and could be considered an approximate length due to measurement rounding or transcription error.