Question

In the accompanying diagram. altitude CD is

drawn to the hypotenuse of right triangle ABC. If
AD = 9 and AB = 13. find CD.
B
1
Someone please help me

Answer 1

Answer: √117

Explanation:

Since no diagram present, am assuming hypotenuse AB and right angle C. Let side opp angle B be b, and side opposite angle A be a. Altitude CD is x.

a^2 + b^2 = 22^2 (Pythagorean)

Using Pythag on two smaller triangles,

x^2 + 13^2 = a^2

x^2 + 9^2 = b^2

Substituting in first equation,

x^2 + 13^2 + x^2 + 9^2 = 22^2

x^2 = 117, so x = √117