12.0k views
1 vote
The hypotenuse of an isosceles right triangle is 9 feet longer than either of its legs. find the exact length of each side

1 Answer

5 votes
Use the Pythagorean theorem:
a - a legc - a hypotenuse

c^2=a^2+a^2\\\\c^2=2a^2
We have:

c=a+9
Substitute:

(a+9)^2=2a^2
Use (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

a^2+2\cdot a\cdot 9+9^2=2a^2\\\\a^2+18a+81=2a^2\ \ \ |-2a^2\\\\-a^2+18a+81=0\ \ \ |\cdot(-1)\\\\a^2-18a-81=0\ \ \ \ |+81\\\\a^2-18a=81\\\\a^2-2\cdot a\cdot9=81\ \ \ \ |+9^2\\\\a^2-2\cdot a\cdot9+9^2=81+9^2\\\\(a-9)^2=162\to a-9=√(162)\ \ \ |+9\\\\a=9+√(81\cdot2)\\\\a=9+9\sqrt2
Answer:
9+9\sqrt2;\ 9+9\sqrt2;\ 18+9\sqrt2

User Matheus Torquato
by
8.5k points

No related questions found