Question

Solve the Pythagorean Theorem for the positive value of "c" in terms of "a" and "b."

a. c = a + b
b. c = a - b
c. c = √(a^2 + b^2)
d. c = a * b

Answer 1

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. To solve for the positive value of c in terms of a and b, we isolate c and rearrange the equation as c = √(a² + b²).

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). Mathematically, this can be represented as

a² + b² = c²

To solve for the positive value of c in terms of a and b, we need to isolate c. Rearranging the equation, we get:

c = √(a² + b²)

Therefore, the correct answer is option c: c = √(a² + b²)