The problem: Ms. Neal needs to mail her sword that is 13.5 feet long to her niece, who wants to dress up as a pirate for Halloween. Will it fit in a box that is 12’ long, 4’ wide, and 5’ high? The solution: To solve a problem like this, you have to be aware that every rectangular prism (i.e. box) has both “face diagonals” as well as a “space diagonals.” This means that if a question asks if a ruler or flute or sword, etc. will fit into a box, you have to consider both of these diagonals before answering. Let’s check it out! En garde! What are “Face Diagonals” and “Space Diagonals”?

The Box. 5’ 12’ 4’

“Face diagonal” “Space diagonal” “Face diagonal” “Space diagonal” “Face diagonal” “Face diagonal” 5’ 12’ 4’ First find the “face diagonal”. Do it now, then click for the answer! Then find the “space diagonal”. Do it now, then click for the answer!

It fits!!!