← Add the shared part back and the two wholes must be equal · Overlap Reduces the Total

Add the shared part back and the two wholes must be equal · 12 practice problems

7.G.B.46.G.A.16.EE.B.7

Generated variants — 12

Freshly produced from the archetype’s parameters — problem, figure, and solution derived together.

Variant 1 easy answer: 3.14 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 4 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 4 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 4 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 4 cm.
4×4×3.14÷4=12.564 \times 4 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 12.56
12.56 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 4 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
4×AB=12.564 \times \text{AB} = 12.56
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
12.56÷4=3.1412.56 \div 4 = 3.14
AB is 3.14 cm.
Answer: 3.14 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 3.14 cm, less than the 4 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 2 easy answer: 4.71 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 6 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 6 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 6 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 6 cm.
6×6×3.14÷4=28.266 \times 6 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 28.26
28.26 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 6 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
6×AB=28.266 \times \text{AB} = 28.26
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
28.26÷6=4.7128.26 \div 6 = 4.71
AB is 4.71 cm.
Answer: 4.71 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 4.71 cm, less than the 6 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 3 easy answer: 6.28 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 8 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 8 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 8 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 8 cm.
8×8×3.14÷4=50.248 \times 8 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 50.24
50.24 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 8 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
8×AB=50.248 \times \text{AB} = 50.24
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
50.24÷8=6.2850.24 \div 8 = 6.28
AB is 6.28 cm.
Answer: 6.28 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 6.28 cm, less than the 8 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 4 easy answer: 7.85 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 10 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 10 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 10 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 10 cm.
10×10×3.14÷4=78.510 \times 10 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 78.5
78.5 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 10 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
10×AB=78.510 \times \text{AB} = 78.5
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
78.5÷10=7.8578.5 \div 10 = 7.85
AB is 7.85 cm.
Answer: 7.85 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 7.85 cm, less than the 10 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 5 medium answer: 9.42 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 12 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 12 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 12 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 12 cm.
12×12×3.14÷4=113.0412 \times 12 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 113.04
113.04 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 12 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
12×AB=113.0412 \times \text{AB} = 113.04
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
113.04÷12=9.42113.04 \div 12 = 9.42
AB is 9.42 cm.
Answer: 9.42 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 9.42 cm, less than the 12 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 6 medium answer: 10.99 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 14 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 14 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 14 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 14 cm.
14×14×3.14÷4=153.8614 \times 14 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 153.86
153.86 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 14 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
14×AB=153.8614 \times \text{AB} = 153.86
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
153.86÷14=10.99153.86 \div 14 = 10.99
AB is 10.99 cm.
Answer: 10.99 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 10.99 cm, less than the 14 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 7 medium answer: 12.56 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 16 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 16 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 16 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 16 cm.
16×16×3.14÷4=200.9616 \times 16 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 200.96
200.96 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 16 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
16×AB=200.9616 \times \text{AB} = 200.96
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
200.96÷16=12.56200.96 \div 16 = 12.56
AB is 12.56 cm.
Answer: 12.56 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 12.56 cm, less than the 16 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 8 medium answer: 15.7 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 20 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 20 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 20 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 20 cm.
20×20×3.14÷4=31420 \times 20 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 314
314 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 20 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
20×AB=31420 \times \text{AB} = 314
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
314÷20=15.7314 \div 20 = 15.7
AB is 15.7 cm.
Answer: 15.7 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 15.7 cm, less than the 20 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 9 hard answer: 18.84 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 24 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 24 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 24 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 24 cm.
24×24×3.14÷4=452.1624 \times 24 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 452.16
452.16 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 24 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
24×AB=452.1624 \times \text{AB} = 452.16
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
452.16÷24=18.84452.16 \div 24 = 18.84
AB is 18.84 cm.
Answer: 18.84 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 18.84 cm, less than the 24 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 10 hard answer: 23.55 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 30 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 30 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 30 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 30 cm.
30×30×3.14÷4=706.530 \times 30 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 706.5
706.5 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 30 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
30×AB=706.530 \times \text{AB} = 706.5
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
706.5÷30=23.55706.5 \div 30 = 23.55
AB is 23.55 cm.
Answer: 23.55 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 23.55 cm, less than the 30 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 11 hard answer: 31.4 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 40 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 40 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 40 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 40 cm.
40×40×3.14÷4=125640 \times 40 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 1256
1256 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 40 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
40×AB=125640 \times \text{AB} = 1256
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
1256÷40=31.41256 \div 40 = 31.4
AB is 31.4 cm.
Answer: 31.4 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 31.4 cm, less than the 40 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.
Variant 12 hard answer: 39.25 cm

The figure at the right shows a rectangle overlapping part of a circle. If the two shaded parts have equal areas, how long is segment AB, in cm\text{cm}?

A B C D 50 cm
Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A rectangle ABCD overlaps a quarter circle of radius 50 cm centred at C. The two parts that stick out of each other have equal areas, and we want AB.

Givens
  • BC is 50 cm and is also the quarter circle's radius.
  • The rectangle's part outside the quarter circle and the quarter circle's part outside the rectangle have equal areas.
Unknowns
  • The length of AB.
Constraints
  • Neither shaded part can be measured directly: both have a curved edge.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#16 Count the Complement · also uses: #13 Convert to Algebra#7 Identify Subproblems

Both shaded pieces are what is left after taking away the same overlap. Add that overlap back to each and they become the whole rectangle and the whole quarter circle -- which must therefore be equal.

3 · Execute4 carry out the plan

1Put the overlap back

#16 Count the Complement 6.G.A.1
Each shaded piece is its own shape minus the shared middle. Adding the middle to both keeps them equal.
rectangle=quarter circle\text{rectangle} = \text{quarter circle}
Two equal wholes, not two awkward pieces.

2Measure the quarter circle

#7 Identify Subproblems 7.G.B.4
A quarter of a circle of radius 50 cm.
50×50×3.14÷4=1962.550 \times 50 \times 3.14 \div 4 = 1962.5
1962.5 cm2.

3Use it as the rectangle's area

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The rectangle is 50 cm along BC, and its area is now known.
50×AB=1962.550 \times \text{AB} = 1962.5
One equation, one unknown.

4Divide for AB

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
The other side of a rectangle from its area.
1962.5÷50=39.251962.5 \div 50 = 39.25
AB is 39.25 cm.
Answer: 39.25 cm
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

AB is 39.25 cm, less than the 50 cm radius, so the rectangle really does sit lower than the top of the arc -- which is what makes both shaded parts exist.

Another way: Trying to measure either shaded part on its own needs the area under the arc, which is not something this unit gives a formula for; putting the overlap back is what avoids it.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 7.G.B.4 Know the formulas for area and circumference of a circle — Finding the quarter circle's area.
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Reasoning about the two regions and their shared part.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving for AB from the rectangle's area.
💡Takeaway. If two leftovers are equal after losing the same piece, the wholes they came from were equal too.