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In right triangle xyz, where yx is the opposite side and xz is the hypotenuse, what is the approximate length of side xz?

User Simon ML
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle, the Pythagorean Theorem is used with the formula c = √(a² + b²), which calculates the hypotenuse when the lengths of the other two sides, a and b, are known.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question asks about the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle, given that one leg (the opposite side, yx) is known. In this case, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem, which in general form is a2 + b2 = c2, where a and b are the legs of the triangle and c is the hypotenuse. Assuming we have the measurements for the legs of the triangle, we can solve for the hypotenuse using the formula c = √(a² + b²).

For example, if the legs of the triangle measure 9 units and 5 units, then the hypotenuse can be found using √(9² + 5²) = √(81 + 25) = √(106) ≈ 10.3 units. This provides a straightforward method for finding the hypotenuse in a right triangle when the lengths of the other two sides are known.

User GRoutar
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