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Two sqares in a rectangle

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by crackgmat007 » Wed May 06, 2009 9:37 am
In the figure shown, two identical squares are inscribed in the rectangle. If the perimeter of the
rectangle is 18*square root 2, then what is the perimeter of each square?
A. 8*square root 2
B. 12
C. 12*square root 2
D. 16
E. 18

OA – B
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Last edited by crackgmat007 on Sat May 09, 2009 9:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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by DanaJ » Wed May 06, 2009 10:06 am
The perimeter of the rectangle will be 2(length + width) = 18*sqrt(2). This means that you get length + width = 9sqrt(2).

Now look at the picture and try to figure out what is length and width of rectangle in terms of x, with x = side of square.

As you can plainly see, the length will be two times the diagonal of the square, while the width will be equal to the diagonal of the square. In terms of x, the diagonal will be x*sqrt(2) (since the diagonal of a square is always equal to side of the square times sqrt(2)).

This means that you get:
length = 2*x*sqrt(2)
width = x*sqrt(2)
--------------------
3*x*sqrt(2) = 9*sqrt(2).
x = 3.

Since the side of a rectangle is 3, then the perimeter will be 4x = 12.
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by CookieNet » Fri May 08, 2009 5:11 pm
The perimeter of the rectangle can be equally separated into 12 pieces
Each piece = 18*sqrt(2)/12 = (3/2)*sqrt(2)

So, X = (3/2)*sqrt(2) * sqrt(2) = 3


The perimeter of the square is 3*4 = 12
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by bhumika.k.shah » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:47 pm
DanaJ wrote:The perimeter of the rectangle will be 2(length + width) = 18*sqrt(2). This means that you get length + width = 9sqrt(2).

Now look at the picture and try to figure out what is length and width of rectangle in terms of x, with x = side of square.

As you can plainly see, the length will be two times the diagonal of the square, while the width will be equal to the diagonal of the square. In terms of x, the diagonal will be x*sqrt(2) (since the diagonal of a square is always equal to side of the square times sqrt(2)).

This means that you get:
length = 2*x*sqrt(2)
width = x*sqrt(2)
--------------------
3*x*sqrt(2) = 9*sqrt(2).
x = 3.

Since the side of a rectangle is 3, then the perimeter will be 4x = 12.
I am sorry i failed to understand your explanation.Could you please help me out with a detailed explanation... :(
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by bhumika.k.shah » Sat Jan 16, 2010 11:49 pm
CookieNet wrote:The perimeter of the rectangle can be equally separated into 12 pieces
Each piece = 18*sqrt(2)/12 = (3/2)*sqrt(2)

So, X = (3/2)*sqrt(2) * sqrt(2) = 3


The perimeter of the square is 3*4 = 12
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I like this kind of explanation. :)
but why are you multiplying 3/2 * sq rt 2 with sq rt 2????

what is the sq rt 2 in this case ?
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by DanaJ » Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:15 am
bhumika.k.shah wrote: I am sorry i failed to understand your explanation.Could you please help me out with a detailed explanation... :(
I think I can't go into more detail that I already have. If you can point out a specific issue you're having with the explanation, I'd be happy to help!
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by manishpal » Mon Sep 19, 2011 1:45 am
reply by manish8109
i found it really helpfull.....
read carefully pls if u really want to understand question...


If perimeter of rectangle= 18sqrt(2)
=> 2(a+b) = 18sqrt(2)
=> a+b=9sqrt(2) where a= length & b=breadth

Square side=s

Consider 1st square,

Diagonal=s* sqrt(2)=b(Breadth)

Consider 1st & 2nd square

diagonal 1+ diagonal2= 2s*sqrt(2)=a(Length)

=> 3s*sqrt(2)= 9 sqrt(2)
=> 3s=9
=> s=3

permeter of square=4*s=4*3=12 Ans(B)
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by mcdesty » Mon Jul 21, 2014 10:10 pm
Here is how I tackled this one.
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I have made your mistakes before.
I am experienced - I have tutored calculus and linear algebra for over two years.
For a very modest fee, I will ensure that your GMAT journey is a smooth one: Daily assignments and careful micro management.
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