Question

For the right triangle shown, the lengths of two sides are given. Find the third side. Leave your answer in simplified, radical form.

Answer 1

The Pythagorean theorem tells you

... a² + b² = c²

so

... a² = c² - b² = 16² - 9² = 256-81 = 175

... a = √175 = √(25·7)

... a = 5√7