The problems on this page involve many mathematical relationships. The thing they have in common is that the Pythagorean Theorem is utilized in the solution, but it is not obvious at first glance to use the Pythagorean Theorem. Below is my criteria for problems on this page.
Ribbon Around a Box Problem
A rectangular box is tied with a ribbon so that the ribbon crosses the box at the midpoints of its sides. If the box is 8 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 5 inches high, how long is the ribbon?
Corner to Corner Stretch Problem
What is the length of the shortest string that can stretch from point X to point Y along the outside of the box in the diagram? (The dimensions are in inches.)
Balls in a Cone Problem
Three balls are placed inside a cone such that each ball is in contact
with the edge of the cone and the next ball. If the radii of the balls
are 20 cm, 12 cm, and r cm respectively, what is the value of r?
(This problem from www.mathschallenge.net.).
Problems I have selected to put on this page meet the following criteria:
James R. Olsen, Western Illinois University
Page last updated: February 12, 2004