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The variables a and b represent the legs of a right triangle. The variable c represents the hypotenuse. Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the missing side. Write exact answers using radicals when necessary. A = 3, c = 5, find b.

User Nisba
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1 Answer

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Given:

a and b are two legs of a right triangle and c is hypotenuse.

a=3 and c=5

To find:

The value of b.

Solution:

According to the Pythagoras theorem,


hypotenuse^2=(leg_1)^2+(leg_2)^2

Using Pythagoras theorem, we get


c^2=(a)^2+(b)^2

Now, putting a=3 and c=5, we get


5^2=(3)^2+b^2


25=9+b^2


25-9=b^2


16=b^2

Taking square root on both sides.


\pm √(16)=b


\pm 4=b

The measure of side of a triangle cannot be negative. So, only value of b is 4.

Therefore, the value of b is 4.

User Haroldcampbell
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