Question

solve. 10) what are the dimensions of a right triangle with a 5 inch hypotenuse and an area of 6 square inches?

Answer 1

The dimensions are 3, 4 and 5 inches.

Explanation:

Area = 1/2 * height * base

6 = 1/2 * h * b

h * b = 12.

As the hypotenuse is 5 inches long

H^2 + B^2 = 5^2

From the third line: h = 12/b, so we have
(12/b)^2 + b^2 = 25

144/b^2 + b^2 = 25

144 + b^4 = 25b^2

b^4 - 25b^2 + 144 = 0

Let B = b^2, so

B^2 - 25B + 144 = 0

(B - 16)(B - 9) = 0

B = 16, 9

So, b = 4, 3

h = 12/b

= 3 , 4.