If you're experiencing a roadblock with one of the Manhattan Prep GRE math strategy guides, help is here!
xerocoool
Students
 
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 9:54 am
 

Manhattan 5lbs : Geometry : Polygons & Solids Q9)

by xerocoool Thu Sep 11, 2014 3:47 pm

Hi Tommy,

Q9)

Quantity A:
The longest side of a rectangle with area 36

Quantity B:
6

I am not able to understand the explanation given to prove "D"

So we need to compare the longest side of the rectangle (i.e diagonal) with Quantity B (i.e. 6)

Given,
A = base x height
36 = b x h

if we consider b=6 h=6 : diagonal => sqrt 72 => 8.48
b=9 h=4 : diagonal => sqrt 92 => 9.84
b = 36 h = 1 : diagonal => sqrt 37 => 6.08

Quantity A greater.

Thanks
xero
tommywallach
Manhattan Prep Staff
 
Posts: 1917
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:18 am
 

Re: Manhattan 5lbs : Geometry : Polygons & Solids Q9)

by tommywallach Fri Sep 12, 2014 5:53 pm

Hey Xero,

The sides of a rectangle are just the sides! The diagonal is not a side!

: )

-t

P.S. To finish up, a rectangle with area 36 could be 12 x 3 or 6 x 6. That's why the answer is D.
xerocoool
Students
 
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Aug 24, 2012 9:54 am
 

Re: Manhattan 5lbs : Geometry : Polygons & Solids Q9)

by xerocoool Sat Sep 13, 2014 12:35 pm

Hi Tommy,

Oh ! thanks for the clarification (a big one). While solving, I thought of the longest side of a rectangle in terms of the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 right triangle (which the diagonal creates) and the hypotenuse being the longest side (of a triangle) hence the conclusion.

Mixed up everything :)

Thanks again !

xero
tommywallach
Manhattan Prep Staff
 
Posts: 1917
Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2011 11:18 am
 

Re: Manhattan 5lbs : Geometry : Polygons & Solids Q9)

by tommywallach Tue Sep 16, 2014 3:39 pm

It's what I do! : )

-t