GRE Math : How to find the length of the side of a square

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Example Questions

Example Question #1371 : Gre Quantitative Reasoning

Quantity A:

The side-length of a square with a perimeter of .

Quantity B:

The side-length of a square with an area of .

Possible Answers:

Both quantities are equal

Quantity B is greater

Quantity A is greater

The relationship cannot be determined from the information given

Correct answer:

Quantity A is greater

Explanation:

The first step to a quantitative comparison is to determine whether it can be solved at all with the given knowledge. Since all you need to find the side-length of a square is the perimeter, the area, OR the diagonal and we have one of each for these two quantities, this relationship can be determined. Thus, "the relationship cannot be determined" is out.

Now, to solve both quantities. Quantity A can be solved by translating the perimeter into side lengths: the formula for the perimeter of a square is P = 4s , with being the side-length, so you just need to divide the perimeter by four.

30=4s

$\frac{30}{4}=s$

Thus, quantity A is 7.5 .

Quantity B can be solved by translating the area into side lengths: the formula for the area of a square is $A=l \times w$ , or $A=s^{2}$ , with being the side-length, so you just need to find the square root of the area.

30=s^2

$\sqrt30=s$

Thus, quantity B is roughly 5.48 .

Therefore quantity A is greater.

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Example Question #2 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A Square

Inscribedsquare

Circle has a center in the center of Square ABCD .

If the area of Circle is $324\pi$ , what is the length of ?

Possible Answers:

324

162

Correct answer:

Explanation:

If the area of Circle is $324\pi$ , we know that the area can be computed using the standard area formula:

$A = \pi r^2$ , using $324\pi$ for

$324\pi = \pi r^2$

Simplifying, we get:

324=r^2

We know that must be less than . By choosing for , we find out that this is the radius of our circle. Thus, we know that the diameter of the circle is double this, or . Now, consider the following diagram:

Inscr18

Notice that the diameter is the same length as a side of the square. Thus, is equal to .

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Example Question #3 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A Square

Prb11 1

Circle has a center in the center of square ABCD .

The line segment marked with length lies on the diagonal of the square ABCD .

What is the length of side ?

Possible Answers:

$\sqrt{2}+7$

This cannot be computed from the given data

$\frac{10}{\sqrt{2} - 1}$

$\frac{1}{\sqrt{2} + 1}$

$\frac{3\sqrt{2}-4}{5}$

Correct answer:

$\frac{10}{\sqrt{2} - 1}$

Explanation:

You can further fill in your diagram as follows:

Prb11 2

Now, we know that the triangle BCD is a 45-45-90 triangle. We also know that the length of and must also be equal to the diameter of the circle. (The diameter of the circle will run across the circle horizontally if you draw it that way. This will provide you with a complete side length.) Now, we know that the ratio of the hypotenuse of BCD to the side must be the same as:

$\frac{\sqrt{2}}{1}$

For our data, that means:

$\frac{5+5+d}{d} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{1}$

Simplifying, we know:

$\frac{10+d}{d} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{1}$

$\frac{10}{d}+1 = \sqrt{2}$

$\frac{10}{d} = \sqrt{2} - 1$

Now, make both sides reciprocals:

$\frac{d}{10} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2} - 1}$

Finally, solve:

$d = \frac{10}{\sqrt{2} - 1}$

Recall, this is both the length of the side and the diameter of the circle. Hence, you have your answer.

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GRE Math : How to find the length of the side of a square

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Math

All GRE Math Resources

Example Questions

Example Question #1371 : Gre Quantitative Reasoning

Example Question #2 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A Square

Example Question #3 : How To Find The Length Of The Side Of A Square

All GRE Math Resources

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