Pythagorean help please!
Sue plans to paste two ribbons along the diagonals of the top surface of a rectangular gift box, as shown below.
What is the minimum length of ribbon that Sue would require?

Question

Pythagorean help please!
Sue plans to paste two ribbons along the diagonals of the top surface of a rectangular gift box, as shown below. 
What is the minimum length of ribbon that Sue would require?

anonymous · Answer

attachment

anonymous · Answer

the length of one diag is sqrt (12^2 + 9^2)

anonymous · Answer

I tried that formula, like x^2=9^2+12^2 and I got some outrageous answer.

anonymous · Answer

x^2 = 81 + 144 =225
x=15

anonymous · Answer

wait.. how did you get 15 from 225?

anonymous · Answer

15 is the sqr root of 225

anonymous · Answer

get it?

anonymous · Answer

ohhh! I understand now. Thanks! :D

anonymous · Answer

But the only option is 225 cus it's multiple choice. So that's the right one?

phi · Answer

there are 2 ribbons, so you need twice 15 or 30 cm

anonymous · Answer

so its 30 ?