Answer:
Skills needed: Pythagorean Theorem
Explanation:
1) First, we are given a right triangle.
---> We know this, as there is one right angle in the triangle (marked with the square-like shape --
).
An important term to know is: Hypotenuse
---> This is the side of the triangle opposite of the right angle.
In this case, that is the side we are solving for.
2) Now, we know we are solving for the hypotenuse, but trying to solve for it is difficult without the Pythagorean Theorem.
---> This theorem allows you to solve for any side of the right triangle when given 2 side-length values.
The formula is:
= one of the legs (not opposite the right angle)
= another of the legs (also not opposite the right angle)
hypotenuse (opposite of the right angle)
3) In this problem, we are given the two legs.
---> Now, if you are unfamiliar with this term, legs are the two sides in a right triangle that are not opposite of the right angle.
---> They are the two shorter sides.
----> In this problem they are:
and
Let's plug those in for
and
and solve! (below)
4)
--> Substituting in for the two legs.
--> Simplifying the exponents
--> Adding both like-terms on the left side
--> Square-rooting both sides
--> Simplifying the radicals (square roots)
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is the answer!