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The length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 14 inches. If the length of one leg is 6 inches, what is the approximate length of the other leg?

User Arend
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2 Answers

5 votes
Using the Pythagorean theorem:

6^2 + X^2 = 14^2

36 + x^2 = 196

X^2 = 196-36

x^2 = 160

x = SQRT(160)

x = 4 SQRT(10)
Or as a decimal:
x = 12.65 inches
User Whakkee
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5 votes
Hey there! :)

You have to use the Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²

a² + b² = c² is the same as: c² - a² = b²

c = 14
14² = 14 × 14 = 196

a = 6
6² = 6 × 6 = 36

196 - 36 = 160

√160 = 12.65

The length of the other leg(rounded) is 12.65 in

Hope this helps :)

User Gubbi
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