This is a simple Pythagorean theorem question. We recognize that when a problem has a shape like a rectangle or a right triangle, we may have to apply this theorem. The most difficult part is assigning the variables to each side. Once we were able to convert the word problem into a picture, it simply becomes an algebra question. When solving for X, we know that 0 is not a possible answer. Therefore, we are left with 16 ft as our final length and can then find the width and diagonal by simply subtracting 4 and adding 4.
