### Fitting In

The largest square which fits into a circle is ABCD and EFGH is a square with G and H on the line CD and E and F on the circumference of the circle. Show that AB = 5EF. Similarly the largest equilateral triangle which fits into a circle is LMN and PQR is an equilateral triangle with P and Q on the line LM and R on the circumference of the circle. Show that LM = 3PQ

### Look Before You Leap

The diagonals of a square meet at O. The bisector of angle OAB meets BO and BC at N and P respectively. The length of NO is 24. How long is PC?

Two ladders are propped up against facing walls. The end of the first ladder is 10 metres above the foot of the first wall. The end of the second ladder is 5 metres above the foot of the second wall. At what height do the ladders cross?

# Take a Square II

### Why do this problem?

This problem investigates in more detail the relationships found in Take a Square.
Relationships can be discovered by making accurate paper folds or diagrams, but there is also scope for some sophisticated geometrical reasoning, manipulation of fractions and finding and justifying general rules for the different fractions that can be made.

### Possible approach

Learners could start by marking off quarters along one side of a square, and making folds from the corner to these marks, as shown in the diagrams. Pose the question "What fraction of the diagonal do you think is formed by the line joining to a quarter of the way along the side? Half way? Three quarters?"

Learners can measure the lengths of the lines on their diagram to see if their conjectures appear to be right - they may be surprised by the results.

Once they have built up a picture of what is happening with quarters, they can investigate what happens when the side is divided into eighths. As it is not always easy to measure accurately enough and the fractions are not always obvious, learners might think about how to work more systematically and/or decide to use a more analytical approach. Moving them towards more formal and less experimental methods could be encouraged through discussion and sharing of ideas.

Groups may wish to present their findings through posters.

### Key questions

How can you organise your work so that you are able to identify any patterns that emerge?
How can you be sure of the fractions that appear to be emerging when you measure?
What mathematics have you met before that might be useful here?
What do you think would happen if we divided the side into fifths? Sixths?

### Possible extension

If I divided the side of my square into $n$ equal portions, what fraction of the diagonal would I get by folding to $\frac{m}{n}$ of the way along the side?
What other quadrilaterials will this idea apply to and does the rule need modification in any particular cases?

### Possible support

Start with Take a Square and build up ideas about halves and quarters before trying to generalise.