Question

The two shorter sides of an obtuse triangle measure 15 inches and 3 feet. Describe the length of the longest side. Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

18

Explanation:

The longest side of the triangle is known as the hypotenuse. To find the hypotenuse, you would use the equation a^2+b^2=c^2.

The a and b represent one side of the triangle so it wouldn’t matter which side you use for them. The c represents the hypotenuse.

When you plug in the side lengths, the equation would be:

10^2+15^2=c^2

100+225=c^2

325=c^2

Now you find the square root of 325 which is approximately 18,

And so the final answer is 18.

Hope I helped! :)