Question

Solve for y given that this is a right triangle. Simplify answers completely. No decimals.

Answer 1

y = 4
`√(5)`

Explanation:

Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.

The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides, that is

y² = 8² + 4² = 64 + 16 = 80 ( take the square root of both sides )

y =
`√(80)` =
`√(16(5))` = 4
`√(5)` ← exact value