What is the length of the diagonal of a rectangle with sides measuring 5 cm and 12 cm?

To find the length of the diagonal of a rectangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. The lengths of the sides of the rectangle are the two legs of a right triangle, and the diagonal is the hypotenuse.

In our case, the lengths of the sides are:

• Side 1 (length) = 5 cm
• Side 2 (width) = 12 cm

The Pythagorean theorem states:

a² + b² = c²

Where:

• a = 5 cm (one side of the rectangle)
• b = 12 cm (the other side)
• c = diagonal (the hypotenuse)

Plugging in the values, we get:

5² + 12² = c²

25 + 144 = c²

169 = c²

Now, taking the square root of both sides to solve for c:

c = √169

c = 13 cm

Therefore, the length of the diagonal of the rectangle is 13 cm.