March 31 PSSA Math Boot Camp

Our March 31, 2009 PSSA math challenge problem involved a geometry problem involving solving the area of a square provided the length of the diagonal. This could have been solved by utilizing the Pythagorean Theorem or a special 45°-45°-90° right-triangle. Answer is B.

• The problem.
• The problem and solutions.

--Mr. Bujak

March 4 PSSA Math Boot Camp Winner

Our March 4, 2009 PSSA math challenge problem winner is Nadine Redic. This geometry problem involved finding the length of the body (or space) diagonal of a rectangular prism. Note that this is the Pythagorean Theorem in 3 dimensions. Answer is D.

• The problem.
• The problem and some solutions.
• Nadine Redic's solution.
• Nadine Redic won a free lunch.

--Mr. Bujak

February 23 PSSA Math Boot Camp Winner

Our February 23, 2009 PSSA math challenge problem winner is Shkeem Brown. This geometry/algebra problem involved the application of the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for a leg of a right triangle. Answer is D.

• The problem.
• The problem and solution.
• Shkeem Brown's solution.
• Shkeem Brown won a free dress-down day.

--Mr. Bujak

January 14 PSSA Math Boot Camp Winner

Our January 14, 2009 PSSA math challenge problem winner is Ashley Alston.
This geometry problem involved finding the area of a square given the length of a diagonal. Ashley solved for the length of the side of the square using the Pythagorean Theorem and used that to find the area of the square. See also: special right triangles.

• The problem and multiple solutions.
• Ashley Alston's solution.
• Ashley won 10 points on a math test.

--Mr. Bujak