MAT 336 Sp 22 Activity 2: Another Sulba Sutra
One of the Sulba sutras states
If it is desired to combine two squares of different measures,
a rectangle is formed with the side of the smaller [square] [as breadth] and that of the larger [as length];
the diagonal of the rectangle [thus formed] is the side of the combined square.]
In the app, the larger (blue) square has side length a, and the smaller (pink) square has side length b.
- Construct a rectangle with sides lengths a and b. (To create a segment of length b, click on the segment tool that has a letter a and write b as the length)
- Construct the diagonal of this rectangle.
- Construct a square of side length the diagonal of the rectangle.
- Compute the areas of the three squares, the two given and the one you constructed.
- Make a drawing or submit a screenshot of your construction..
- : Explain why the area of the square you constructed is the sum of the areas of the blue and pink squares.