Answer:
22.98
Explanation:
The right triangle that contains the diagonal the problem asks for has legs c and e and a hypotenuse d. You will need another right triangle to find the value of e. Using the base of the container, you have a right triangle with legs a and b and a hypotenuse e. The container is 8 ft wide. This is the value of b. The container is 20 ft long. This is the value of a.
a2+b2=e2202+82=e2400+64=e2464=e2464−−−√=e2−−√±21.54≈e
The problem tells you that the container is 8 ft tall. This is the value of c. Now that you have e, you can solve for d.
c2+e2=d282+(21.54)2≈d264+464≈d2528≈d2528−−−√≈d2−−√±22.98≈d
The length of a diagonal from a top corner to the opposite bottom corner of the container is approximately equal to 22.98 ft. Remember that length cannot be negative.