Question

What is the length of the third side of the window frame below?

(Figure is not drawn to scale.)

A picture of a right triangular window frame is shown. The longest side has length labeled as 58 inches. The height of the frame is labeled as 42 inches.

16 inches
20 inches
40 inches
50 inches

Answer 1

a^2+b^2=c^2
42^2+b^2=58^2
1764+b^2=3364
b^2=3364-1764
b^2=1600
square root b^2=square root 1600
b=40 inches

Answer 2

Option A. 16 inches

Explanation:

Since in a right angle triangle Pythagoras theorem is applicable.

Base² + height² = Hypotenuse²

In the given window frame height = 42 inches and hypotenuse = 58 inches

Therefore by Pythagoras theorem

58² = 42² + Base²

Base² = 58² - 42² = 3364 - 1764 = 1600

Base = √1600 = 40 inches

Therefore Option A. 40 inches is the answer.