If the rectangular faces of a brick have their diagonals in the ratio 3: 2√3 :√15, then the ratio of the length of the shortest edge of the brick to that of its longest edge is
Let's assume the edges of the brick be a,b, and c such that a < b < c a2 + b2 = 32 = 9 .... (1) a2 + c2 = (2√3)2 = 12 .... (2) b2 + c2 = (√15)2 = 15 .... (3) By adding all three equations , We get 2(a2 + b2 + c2) = 9 + 12 + 15 = 36 a2 + b2 + c2 = 18 ..... (4) From equation (1) and (4) , c = 3; From equartion (3) and (4) , a = √3 ∴ required ratio = a/c = √3/3 = 1/√3