Math Matters: Problem of the week – Problem 4 solution

Red background and yellow icons of a mathematical compass, ruler and protractor, and calculator

Test your mathematical skills with the Problems of the Week from the Spring 2018 issue of Math Matters magazine!

We solved Problems 1-3.
Check your solution to Problem 1.
Check your solution to Problem 2.
Check your solution to Problem 3.

You’ve been working on Problem 4.

Problem 4. In trapezoid PQRS, PQ and SR are perpendicular to PS, PQ < RS and PQ + RS = QR. Given that PS = 20, find the value of PQ * RS.

Check your solution to Problem 4.


Was Problem 4 a chore or a bore? Our final challenge is Problem 5!

Problem 5. An ellipse in the plane has foci at (20; 19) and (55; 59) and is tangent to the y-axis. What is the length of the major axis of the ellipse?

Check back the first Monday of November for the answer to Problem 5!