What are the dimensions of the shapes in this tangram problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the dimensions of various shapes in a tangram problem, specifically focusing on isosceles right triangles, a square, and a parallelogram. The context involves geometric justification for the dimensions based on the arrangement of these shapes into a square with a defined area.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the shapes involved in the tangram problem, specifying their types and quantities, and notes that they must fit into a square of area 1 unit² without gaps or overlaps.
  • Another participant requests that the original poster share their progress to facilitate more effective assistance.
  • The original poster provides some dimensions they have calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, including specific lengths for the triangles and the square, but expresses difficulty in providing geometric justification for these dimensions.
  • A later reply references specific lengths derived from the properties of right isosceles triangles and suggests that the midpoint of the square can be justified, while also questioning the vertical alignment of one of the segments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to be working towards a common goal of determining the dimensions, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the calculations or the geometric justifications provided. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the proof of the dimensions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the properties of the shapes involved and relies on the Pythagorean theorem for calculations. There are unresolved steps in the geometric justification process, and the original poster's calculations may depend on specific interpretations of the tangram arrangement.

narledge
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I am currently working on an assignment using Tanagrams. I have the information that I have:
• 2 large, and congruent, isosceles right triangles
• 1 medium isosceles right triangle
• 2 small, and congruent, isosceles right triangles
• 1 square
• 1 parallelogram

The pieces can be rearranged with no gaps or overlapping of shapes into a square with dimensions 1 unit by 1 unit (i.e., the entire area of the square is 1 unit^{2})

You must find the dimensions of all shapes and cannot make midpoint assumptions.

Each dimension must be supported by geometric justification. I have attached a picture and would appreciate any help in reaching an answer.View attachment 5180

View attachment 5181
 

Attachments

  • tangram puzzle.pdf
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  • tangram.png
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Hello and welcome to MHB, narledge! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 
I am sorry for not doing that ----

I have found the length of AB, AF, FK, and FJ by using the given dimensions of 1 and Pythagorean theorem.

The sides of the smaller two triangles at 1/2 for hypotenuse and square root of 2 /4

The sides of the medium are hypotenuse square root of 2/2 and side 1/2

square is side square root of 2/4

parallelogram sides square root of 2/4 and 1/2

Just having difficulty proving it using geometry.
 
Okay, we are given:

$$\overline{AJ}=\overline{JK}=1$$

And since $$\triangle AFJ$$ and $$\triangle JFK$$ are right isosceles triangles, we know by Pythagoras:

$$\overline{AF}=\overline{JF}=\overline{FK}=\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$$

From this, we may conclude that $F$ is at the mid-point of the square $AJKC$. Can you justify that $\overline{BF}$ has to be a vertical line, and thus $$\overline{AB}=\overline{BC}=\frac{1}{2}$$?
 

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