Question

Explain how the formula of a rhombus is derived using attached picture. http://speedcap.net/sharing/screen.php?id=files/2a/bd/2abd805d5a7eded9a18aa3370e050901.png

Answer 1

check out this pdf (it's very similar to what you want)

Answer 2

I know about the triangle inside it but this shows two lines which are d1 and d2 and I don't get it........

Answer 3

look at the PDF I sent, the figure I used is any quadrilateral with perpendicular diagonals

but it also applies to any rhombus (since any rhombus has perpendicular diagonals)

Answer 4

you basically break the figure into 4 triangles and find the individual areas of each triangle

then you add the areas to get the total area

Answer 5

Okay I will read it instead of skimming it but by the looks of it I haven't taken it with that much detail.

Answer 6

read it a few times if it doesn't click the first time

Answer 7

okay so d1 and d2 are diagonals. d1 is smaller because you multiply by 1/2 which is from the formula for the area of the triangle

Answer 8

d1 and d2 are the two diagonals yes

but d1 isn't always the smaller diagonal, it's just one of the diagonals

Answer 9

d1 and d2 are arbitrary, you could make the longer diagonal d1 (assuming the two diagonals are different lengths)

Answer 10

you cut the product of d1 and d2 in half (due to the derivation)

think of it because of the area of the triangle formula has you cutting b*h in half

Answer 11

so i can cut either in half but in this case d1 because of pic

Answer 12

yep or you can multiply d1 and d2 first, then cut that result in half

Answer 13

multiplication can be done in any order

Answer 14

so x*y*z can be re-ordered to y*x*z or z*x*y

Answer 15

okay i get it now but how am i supposed to show my work in the answer do i follow the same concept?

Answer 16

divide the rhombus into 4
then add it and factor

Answer 17

yeah you just prove it using your own words/thoughts

Answer 18

just translate what I gave you into something you understand (and try explaining it to someone who might now know it)

Answer 19

ok thanks

Answer 20

np