Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
am I smarter than a 5th grader (nooooooo!!!!!!) >

am I smarter than a 5th grader (nooooooo!!!!!!)

am I smarter than a 5th grader (nooooooo!!!!!!)

Thread Tools
 
Old 06-26-2015, 05:50 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 383
Default

Originally Posted by k_jupiter View Post
The formula is A squared plus B squared = the square root of the diagonal.
This is also what the Scarecrow says in the Wizard of Oz immediately after being given his degree by the Wizard.

Tate
tate_elliott is offline  
Old 06-26-2015, 10:40 PM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England Alton Towers
Posts: 6,674
Default

I'm puzzled you know the diagonal length.
usually I know the length of the sides then can work from there size of block and how many. You can try different sizes of block which will generate different number of blocks.
far easier than playing with Pythagarus
DOTTYMO is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 05:34 AM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
quiltmaker52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Leesburg, FL
Posts: 368
Default

Hate to be picky, but I was a math teacher for 28 years. The formula is A squared plus B squared = the diagonal squared. Take the square root of the sum to find the length of the diagonal.
quiltmaker52 is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 07:05 AM
  #14  
Junior Member
 
qltnmom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 251
Default

A squared + B squared = C squared. C is the measurement from corner to corner. In this case C=38. Since we're dealing with a square, A = B.
Therefore, 2 * (A * A) = (38 * 38). or 2*(A*A) = 1444. If you divide 1444 by 2, you'll get the value for A*A.
A * A = 722. Now use the square root function on your calculator to get 26.87.

I would round up to 28 or 29 to allow for seam allowances and the fudge factor. As someone else said it's easier to trim fabric than add to it once it's cut.
qltnmom is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 08:50 AM
  #15  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
Default

I am just "pyth-ed".
Yooper32 is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 08:55 AM
  #16  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Default

Originally Posted by k_jupiter View Post
If the 38 inches is the diagonal of your square (which is how I read it) the sides of the square need to be 26 7/8 inch.


The formula is A squared plus B squared = the square root of the diagonal. Or, as this is a square, 2 times A times A (because A = B) = the square root of the diagonal. So if you take your 38 inches and square it (multiply 38 times 38) then divide that by 2 you have the number that if you find what multiplies itself to get that number that is the length of the side. Called the square root. Do not try this without a calculator or spread sheet. Confused? I don't blame you. It's harder to describe than to do. The number is 26 7/8 in this case.

tim in san jose
What he said....lol!
madamekelly is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 09:09 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 540
Default

Originally Posted by Onebyone View Post
Why wouldn't just measuring down one side of the diagonal work? Wouldn't that give you 26 7/8 size square?

This is so funny! It's like can't see the forest for the trees.
fruitloop is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 10:37 AM
  #18  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Default

Originally Posted by faykilgore View Post
Pythagorean theorem. I knew there was a name for that formula!
I think if Mr. Pythagoras had been a quilter, there would be a better way to figure this out.
MadQuilter is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 10:43 AM
  #19  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington state
Posts: 4,303
Default

Math is certainly not my thing. I tend to shy away from projects needing me to do much figuring
Lilrain is offline  
Old 06-27-2015, 10:56 AM
  #20  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,857
Default

buy basic graph paper (quilters paper is great, but regular graph paper works fine and is cheaper). use 4 squares to an inch - this will make each square 1/4", so easy to add in seam allowances. With a PENCIL, start putting in the blocks you know about. Then it is easy to figure out how big your other blocks need to be. If you get an odd shape or still have problems figuring size, cut out your block and lay in on the paper and add your seam allowances. this will let you see the sizes without doing a lot of math. Little difficult to explain but as you try one that you already know, it will make sense.
klswift is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tweezy50
Main
9
06-19-2011 04:26 PM
TonnieLoree
Main
32
06-03-2011 08:06 PM
Momwood
Main
21
02-04-2011 07:05 AM
ShowMama
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
9
07-17-2010 10:04 AM
marsye
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
23
05-11-2010 01:20 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter