Rhombus — Perimeter from Diagonals: If the diagonals of a rhombus are 4.8 cm and 1.4 cm, find the perimeter of the rhombus (in cm).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 10 cm

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In a rhombus, diagonals are perpendicular bisectors. Each side equals the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs equal to half the diagonals. Once one side is known, the perimeter is four times the side length.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • d1 = 4.8 cm ⇒ d1/2 = 2.4 cm
  • d2 = 1.4 cm ⇒ d2/2 = 0.7 cm
  • Side s = √[(d1/2)^2 + (d2/2)^2]
  • Perimeter P = 4s


Concept / Approach:
Apply the Pythagorean theorem to the half-diagonals right triangle to compute the rhombus side, then multiply by 4 for the perimeter. Keep decimals precise to avoid rounding errors.



Step-by-Step Solution:

s = √(2.4^2 + 0.7^2) = √(5.76 + 0.49) = √6.25 = 2.5 cm.Perimeter P = 4 * 2.5 = 10 cm.


Verification / Alternative check:

A rhombus with equal sides and perpendicular diagonals is consistent: s computed from halves returns an integer perimeter 10 cm.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 5 cm equals the side, not the perimeter/2.
  • 12 cm and 20 cm overestimate s.
  • 8 cm underestimates P.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using full diagonals instead of halves within Pythagoras.


Final Answer:
10 cm.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion