This is another one for my "impossible math question" file. All of the answer choices are wrong. (None applies.)
According to the problem statement, the length you have marked "x" in the diagram is 15 inches. If the side length of one of the pavers is "s", then the Pythagorean theorem tells us s² + (2s)² = 15² 5s² = 225 s² = 225/5 = 45 . . . . . . the area of one square is 45 in² (not 225 in²)
Then s = √45 = 3√5 . . . . . . . the length of one side is not 5√3 so the perimeter is p = 4s = 4·3√5 in = 12√5 in ≈ 26.83 in . . . . not 75 inches.
The area of the 6-block L-shaped path is total area = 6s² = 6·45 in² = 270 in² . . . . not 450 in²
And the total perimeter is 14 sides, so is total perimeter = 14s = 14·3√5 in = 42√5 in . . . . not 60√3 in
_____ In cases like this where the answer key is incorrect, you might try asking your teacher show the class how to work the problem.
