using algebraic concepts to determine tv size

[claudette]

: Did you know that a television size is determined by the measurement in inches from one corner diagonal to the other corner? Keep that in mind as you complete this question. Scenario: You need to have your television repaired but don’t remember what size it is. Explain (as if you were explaining it to your significant other) how you can implement algebraic concepts you learned in this class to determine what size your TV is so that you can call to get a quote. :

 

[JeffM]

: Did you know that a television size is determined by the measurement in inches from one corner diagonal to the other corner? Keep that in mind as you complete this question. Scenario: You need to have your television repaired but don’t remember what size it is. Explain (as if you were explaining it to your significant other) how you can implement algebraic concepts you learned in this class to determine what size your TV is so that you can call to get a quote. :

Claudette

This question is literally impossible for us to answer because we do not know what "algebraic concepts you learned in this class."

I suspect, however, that the basic idea is to measure the height and width of the screen. What next?

 

[claudette]

Claudette

This question is literally impossible for us to answer because we do not know what "algebraic concepts you learned in this class."

I suspect, however, that the basic idea is to measure the height and width of the screen. What next?

common logic to me would say measure it from corner to corner to find the size this can be done with a tape measure but from my understanding she wanted examples of other methods that can be used to find them

 

[claudette]

Claudette

This question is literally impossible for us to answer because we do not know what "algebraic concepts you learned in this class."

I suspect, however, that the basic idea is to measure the height and width of the screen. What next?

i swear i think the point is for it to be almost impossible to answer. i think that is the point honestly because when i asked exactly what would be used for this she said anything that you think in advanced algebra (quadratic equations, parabolas, using distributive properties,addition of polynomials ect)

 

[DrPhil]

i swear i think the point is for it to be almost impossible to answer. i think that is the point honestly because when i asked exactly what would be used for this she said anything that you think in advanced algebra (quadratic equations, parabolas, using distributive properties,addition of polynomials ect)

Have you covered the Pythagorean Theorem?

 

[JeffM]

common logic to me would say measure it from corner to corner to find the size this can be done with a tape measure but from my understanding she wanted examples of other methods that can be used to find them

Your common sense is alive and well, and, as a practical matter, you would probably get a decent approximation using a tape measure. But suppose the surface of the screen is curved. (They usually are somewhat curved.) Then the tape measure will not give you an exact answer, but as I implied and Dr Phil suggested, the Pythagorean Theorem will work even if the screen is curved. This is one of those problems where you are expected to forget all about common sense. I don't like them because they imply that math is somehow contrary to common sense. What I suppose they are really trying to teach is that there are frequently many ways to solve a problem.