Space Diagonal

The Pythagorean Theorem in 3D

In a rectangular prism, a space

diagonal is a line that goes from a
vertex of the prism, through the
center of the prism to the opposite
vertex.

aka, stick in the

box
A rectangular prism has 4 space diagonals.

Space Diagonal
The Pythagorean Theorem is
useful when we need to find the
length of a space diagonal in a
rectangular prism.
Side c is the space diagonal.

Finding The Length Of A Space Diagonal.

Look at the rectangular prism below:
It is our task to calculate the length of the space diagonal AG
which runs through the space inside the rectangular prism.
H
G
(1) Start by considering
the triangle ABC.
E
16c
F
m
(2) Calculate the length
D
of AC.
C
12cm
A

28c
m

AC 282 12 2

B
A
AC 30.5cm

12
28

Now look at the box again.

(4) Calculate the length of

AG.
G

F
D

(3) Now consider triangle ACG.

30.5c
28c m
B
m

16c
m
C
12cm

16
A

AG = 30.5 2 16 2
AG = 34.4cm

30.5

OR

OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR

OR

OR

A diagonal of a three-dimensional figure connects

two vertices of two different faces.
Diagonal d of a rectangular prism is shown in the diagram.

By the Pythagorean Theorem,

l2 + w2 = x2 and x2 + h2 = d2.
Using substitution, l2 + w2 + h2 = d2.

Pythagorean Theorem
2D vs 3D
c

d
b

d b c
2

h a b c
2

The Space Diagonal

l 2 + w 2 + h 2 = d 2.

Space Diagonal
Pythagoras In 3D Shapes.
H

F
D

C
12cm
28cm

AG

16cm

AB BC CG
2

AG 28 12 16
2

AG 1184 34.41

What Goes In The Box ?

Calculate the lengths of the space diagonals in
the rectangular prisms below:
(1)

(2)

23cm

12m
3m
4m

17cm
26cm

d 4 2 32 12 2

d 26 2 17 2 232

d 169 13m

d 1494 38.7cm

Using the Pythagorean Theorem in Three Dimensions

Find the length of the space diagonal of a
6 cm by 8 cm by 10 cm rectangular prism
Substitute
Simplify

Using the Pythagorean Theorem in Three Dimensions

Find the height of a rectangular prism with a 12 in. by 7 in. base
and a space diagonal of 15 in.
Substitute
Square both sides of the equation.
225 = 144 + 49 + h2
h2 = 32

Simplify.

Solve for h2.

Take the square root of both sides.