Question

What are all possible sides lengths that would make a triangle with 4cm and 5cm

Answer 1

3 cm or √41 cm

Explanation:

Let the 3rd side of triangle = a cm

Therefore, the hypotenuse is either a or 5

[1]

hypotenuse = a

a² = 4² + 5²

= 41

a = √41 cm

[2]

hypotenuse = 5

5² = a² + 4²

a² = 25 - 16

a = 3 cm