Math Arguments

Problems, Questions, and Puzzles to spark discussion and argument in the maths classroom.

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Item 690

Sum of Two Squares

Warm Up for Algebra Students (SAT-Type)

Sum of the areas of two squares = 60
Sum of their perimeters = 40.

If sides of the squares are \(x\) & \(y\), \(xy=?\)

(1) Is it a good idea to test integer values first?

(2) Prob asks for \(xy\) instead of \(x\) and \(y\). Can you guess why?

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Epiphany
David Martin
SAT

Source: David Martin

WarmUp ALG Ss (SAT-Type)
Sum of areas of 2 squares = 60 and the sum of their perimeters = 40. If sides of sqrs are x&y, xy=?
For Ss:
(1) Good idea to test int'r values first?
(2) Prob asks for xy, not x and y. Can you guess why?
— David Marain (@dmarain) October 8, 2020

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