Answer: 20
Step 1: Define hypotenuse
In any right triangle, there are two legs and one hypotenuse. The legs are the two sides that intersect to show the right angle. The hypotenuse is the longest side, one that is easily found when using Pythagorean Theorem.
Step 2: Define Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean Theorem can be used to find the hypotenuse, with the formula
a^2+b^2=c^2
The hypotenuse is represented as the letter c, and the legs are shown with a and b. Keep in mind that ^2 is a way to show that a variable is squared.
Step 3: Solve for hypotenuse
To find the hypotenuse, simple use the information above to substitute the variables for numbers. The only variable that will not be filled in is c, as we are trying to find the hypotenuse.
*Rewrite equation*
a^2+b^2=c^2
*Fill in a and b*
16^2+12^2=c^2
*Multiply 16 by 16; Multiply 12 by 12*
256+144=c^2
*Add numbers on the left side of the equation*
400=c^2
*Get c alone on the right side by finding the square root of 400 and c^2*
√400= √c^2
20=c
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