Question

If the sides of the frame that form a right angle are a = 15in. and b = 8 in., what measurement (the hypotenuse) should the frame maker read on the yardstick?

Answer 1

17 in.

Explanation:

We know that the two sides (other than the hypotenuse) are given as

a = 15 in

b = 8 in

Using Pythagorean Theorem, we can calculate the length of the hypotenuse as

`c^ {2} =a^(2) + b^(2)`

`c^(2) = (15)^(2) + (8) ^(2)`

`c^(2) =289`

Taking square-root on both sides, we get

c = 17 in.

Hence, the frame-maker would read the measurement as 17 in on the yardstick.