Question

SOS,similar right triangles
How to find these variables using only the 2 legs?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Use Pythagorean Theorem

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Find the Hypotenuse of the whole triangle

20^2 + 15^2 = c^2

c = 25

Cut c in half and we get x

x = 12.5

Now use Pythagorean Theorem again to find a, you can use 20 or 15 as the hypotenuse and x as the missing side, since x is in the middle.

a^2 + (12.5)^2 = 15^2

a^2 + 156.25 = 225

a^2 = 68.78

a = ~8.3