Question

Find the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle if it’s shorter leg is 12 and longer leg is 16 units

Answer 1

Hypotenuse = 20 units.

Explanation:

Using the Pythagoras theorem:

h^2 = 12^2 + 16^2

h^2 = 144 + 256 = 400

h = 20.

Answer 2

Using the Pythagorean theorem c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the side lengths.

c^2 = 12^2 + 16^2

c^2 = 144 + 256

c^2 = 400

c = √400

c = 20

The hypotenuse is 20 units.