Question

A right triangle has a hypotenuse c = 12.6 and a leg b = 8.5. What is the approximate length of leg a? A. 9.3 B. 15.2 C. 10.2 D. 8.4

Answer 1

a^2 + b^2 = c^2....a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse
a^2 + 8.5^2 = 12.6^2
a^2 + 72.25 = 158.76
a^2 = 158.76 - 72.25
a^2 = 86.51
a = sq rt 86.51
a = 9.3....so leg a is 9.3

Answer 2

Option A - 9.3

Explanation:

Given : A right triangle has a hypotenuse c = 12.6 and a leg b = 8.5.

To find : What is the approximate length of leg a?

Solution :

Since it is a right angle triangle ,

We apply Pythagoras theorem,

`H^2=B^2+P^2`

Where H is hypotenuse c=12.6

B is the base b =8.5

P is the perpendicular a=?

Substituent in the formula,

`c^2=b^2+a^2`

`a=√(c^2-b^2)`

`a=√((12.6)^2-(8.5)^2)`

`a=√(158.76-72.25)`

`a=√(86.51)`

`a=9.30`

Therefore, Option A is correct.

The length of leg a is 9.3.