Ask your own question, for FREE!
Mathematics 21 Online
OpenStudy (treelessavy):

A triangular flowerbed is being planted inside a circular area of grass. What is the area of the grass (the area surrounding the flowerbed)? (Use 3.14 for π.)

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

Are there dimensions? Maybe a figure?

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

|dw:1365174177772:dw|

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

|dw:1365174253048:dw|

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

|dw:1365174790894:dw|

OpenStudy (treelessavy):

On my computer for cyber school it doesn't show and figures. It just shows the question and the answers and thats why i'm really confused.

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

The area of the grass is the area of the circle minus the area of the triangular flowerbed. The area of the circle is simply A = (pi)r^2 I am assuming the triangular flowerbed is a regular (equilateral) triangle inscribed in the circle. The area of the triangular flowerbed is made up of the areas of 3 congruent, isosceles triangles, whose congruent sides measure r. Each isosceles triangle is made up of two congruent 30-60-90 triangles. Each of the 6 small triangles has a base of r*sqrt(3)/2 and a height of r/2. The area of one 30-60-90 triangle is A = (1/2)bh A = (1/2)(r*sqrt(3)/2) * (r/2) A = (r^2 * sqrt(3) )/ 8 This is the area of only one 30-60-90 triangle. The triangular flowerbed is made up of six of these small triangles so the total area of the flowerbed is (Af = area of flowerbed) Af = 6 * (r^2 * sqrt(3) )/ 8 Af = (3*sqrt(3)*r^2)/4 The area of the grass (Ag) is Area of circle minus area of flowerbed, so Ag = (pi)r^2 - (3*sqrt(3)*r^2)/4 Now plug in 3.14 for pi and simplify.

OpenStudy (mathstudent55):

You weren't given the radius of the circle either? Also, I assumed the triangle is equilateral and inscribed in the circle. From the problem description, the case could be like the drawing below, and my assumption wiould be incorrect. |dw:1365175416108:dw|

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!