What is perimeter of graphic w/ side lengths 3sqrt[18], 3...

Panama

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What is the perimeter of a computer graphic with sides measuring?
3?18, 3?32, 5?50, and 4?20 centimeters

The perimeter is _______ centimeters


I have an answer of 8.3, is this correct?
 
Re: What is the perimeter???

Your calculator probably misplaced the decimal point. However, "3?18 + 3?32 + 5?50 + 4?20" is similar to 3a + 3b + 5c + 4d" and if a, b, c, and d are all greater than 1, shouldn't you get an answer much greater than 3? And, I rather suspect your answer should have at least one radical sign in it unless the instructions said to convert to a decimal numeral.
 


Do you know how to simplify radicals?

If you want to simplify the exact sum, then this is where you need to start. (Otherwise, to get a decimal approximate, make sure you're using your calculator correctly.)

EG

3 sqrt(18) simplifies to 9 sqrt(2)

Two of the other terms also simplify to a multiple of sqrt(2).

The three terms containing sqrt(2) can be combined.

Add the simplified fourth term -- it turns out to be a multiple of sqrt(5) -- and you're done.

 
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