Question

A triangle has a hypotenuse of 2.9 ft and a leg of 2.6 ft. Find the length of the shortest side.

Answer 1

Pythagorean Theorem states that C Squared = A squared + B squared

C = Hypotenuse

A = given side

B = x Squared

Plug numbers in:

2.9 squared = 2.6 squared + x squared

8.41 = 6.76 + x squared

8.41 - 6.76 = x squared

1.65 = x squared

x = Square root of 1.65

x = 1.28 (answer is rounded)