167,599 views
17 votes
17 votes
In triangle PQR, PQ=39in, PR=17in, and the height PN=15in. Find QR. Consider all possible cases.

User Nanou Ponette
by
3.0k points

1 Answer

16 votes
16 votes

Answer

QR = 28 inches or 44 inches

explain.

In right triangle QNP, the length of QN is given by the Pythagorean theorem as ...

QP² = QN² +PN²

QN = √(QP² -PN²) = √(1521 -225) = √1296 = 36

In right triangle RNP, the length of RN is similarly found:

RN = √(RP² -PN²) = √(289 -225) = √64 = 8

So, we have N on line QR with QN = 36 and RN = 8.

If N is between Q and R, then ...

QR = QN +NR = 36 +8 = 44

If R is between Q and N, then ...

QR = QN -NR = 36 -8 = 28

The possible lengths of QR are 28 in and 44 in

User Zipi
by
3.0k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.