Thread: Find the dimensions of a square

A square walled city of unknown dimensions has four gates, one at the center of each side. A tree stands 20 m from the north gate. one must walk 14 m southward from the south gate and 1775m west before one can see the tree. what are the dimensions of the city?

Originally Posted by nikie1o2

A square walled city of unknown dimensions has four gates, one at the center of each side. A tree stands 20 m from the north gate. one must walk 14 m southward from the south gate and 1775m west before one can see the tree. what are the dimensions of the city?

1. Draw a sketch.

2. You are dealing with similar right triangles. Use proportions:



Solve for x.

Spoiler:

You should come out with x = 250 m. The negative solution of the equation isn't very plausible here.

The sketch was very helpful. thank you !