MHB How to Calculate the Diagonal Length of a Parallelogram?

[ZebraGa]

The diagonal divides the parallelogram into two triangles, each triangle circumference is 6.21 m. The circumference of the parallelogram is 7.12 m. Calculate the diagonal length.
I need tips how to solve this problem.

 

[skeeter]

The diagonal divides the parallelogram into two triangles, each triangle circumference is 6.21 m. The circumference of the parallelogram is 7.12 m. Calculate the diagonal length.
I need tips how to solve this problem.

Circumference is the distance around a circle. Perimeter is the distance around a polygon.

Make a sketch ... solve the system of equations for $\color{red}{x}$

 

[ZebraGa]

Circumference is the distance around a circle. Perimeter is the distance around a polygon.

Make a sketch ... solve the system of equations for $\color{red}{x}$

Sorry I'm a bit lost, I haven't had math for years, can you explain it a bit further?

 

[skeeter]

Using the first equation, solve for the quantity $(a+b)$.

Substitute the value you find for $(a+b)$ into the second equation and solve for the length of the diagonal, $\color{red}{x}$.

 

[ZebraGa]

2(a+b)=7.12
x=3.56

(a+b)+3.56=6.21
x=2.65
Diagonal is 2.65 m?

 

[Greg]

That's correct.

 

[skeeter]

2(a+b)=7.12
x=3.56

correction ... (a+b) = 3.56

(a+b)+3.56=6.21

correction ... 3.56 + x = 6.21

x=2.65

ok?