Question

What is the side length b in the triangle below

Answer 1

12^2 +b^2 = 20^2 because of the Pythagorean theorem
144 + b^2 =400
B^2 =256
B=16

Answer 2

Option B : 16

Explanation:

Refer the attached file

Given :

In ΔABC , AB = b , BC = 12 , AC= 20

To Find : value of b i.e. Length of AB

Solution:

Since we are given a right angles triangle so we can use Pythagoras theorem i.e.

`(Hypotenuse)^(2) =(Perpendicular)^(2) +(Base)^(2)` ---(a)

Now in a given triangle AB is Perpendicular , BC is Base and AC is Hypotenuse.

So, putting values in (a)

`(AC)^(2) =(AB)^(2) +(BC)^(2)`

`(20)^(2) =(b)^(2) +(12)^(2)`

`400 =(AB)^(2) +144`

`400-144  =(b)^(2)`

`256 =(b)^(2)`

`√(256) =b`

`16=b`

Thus the value of b is 6

Hence Option B is correct.