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A right triangle has a hypotenuse of 15 centimeters.

What are possible lengths for the two legs of the
triangle?

A right triangle has a hypotenuse of 15 centimeters. What are possible lengths for-example-1

1 Answer

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Answer:

Explanation:

Since the given figure is a right triangle, we can use Pythagorean Theorem

where c² = a² + b²

c = 15

15² = a² + b²

Since 15 is the hypotenuse, we can then say that the possible legs of the triangle are less than 15.

225 - a² = b²

we will do trial and error

let a be 14

225 - 14² = b²

b = √29

a = 14cm, b = √29cm, c = 15cm

let a be 13

225 - 13² = b²

b = 2√14

a = 13cm, b = 2√14cm, c = 15cm

let a be 12

225 - 12² = b²

b = 9

a = 12cm, b = 9cm, c = 15cm

You can solve for other possible values using the same process as above. Since there are no conditions whether the lengths of the legs should be a whole number or not then the above dimensions can be considered. If you're looking for an answer that consists of whole numbers then the answer would be a = 12cm, b = 9cm and c = 15cm

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