Question

See photo, it’s got to do with Pythagoras theorem but I don’t understand. Please help

Answer 1

12.0 cm

Explanation:

See attached image for steps. Take the figure and convert it into a rectangle and right triangle by drawing a single line. The Pythagorean Theorem can then be used.

Answer 2

x = 12.0 cm

Explanation:

If we draw a line parallel to the 12 cm line right below the line x, a right-angled triangle is formed, with x as the hypotenuse and the shortest side equal to (8 - 7 = ) 1 cm.

∴ x² = 12² + 1²

⇒ x =
`√(12^2 + 1^2)`

⇒ x =
`√(144 + 1)`

⇒ x =
`√(145)`

⇒ x = 12.0 cm [3 s.f.]