Question

Which equation can be used to find the unknown length, b, in this triangle?

Answer 1

The equation for finding the hypotneus of a right triangle is

`{a }^(2) + {b}^(2) = c {}^(2)`
so we know that 4²+b²=5²
so that would simplify as 16+b=25
so x=25-16
which is 9
so therefore we can conclude that

`b = 9inches`

Answer 2

4²+b² = 5²

Explanation:

Since this is a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the missing side.

The Pythagorean theorem states that the sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. Algebraically, this is represented as

a²+b² = c²

We have the measure of one leg, 4 in. We also have the measure of the hypotenuse, 5 in. This gives us

4²+b² = 5²