Question

Determine the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle with legs 5 inches and 12 inches

Answer 1

In a right angled triangle we can use Pythagoras theorem to determine third side in case two sides are given.

The formula of Pythagoras theorem is given by:

`x^(2) +y^(2) =z^(2)`

Where x , y and z are sides of triangle , z is hypotenuse.

Now we use this formula to find hypotenuse.

Plugging other two sides which are 5 in. and 12 in.

`5^(2) +12^(2) =z^(2)`

`25 +144 =z^(2)`

`169 =z^(2)`

Taking square root on both sides

square root of 169 is 13

so we have z=13

Hypotenuse is 13 inches.