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Solve for x using Pythagorean theorem

Solve for x using Pythagorean theorem-example-1
User Mu Qiao
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1 Answer

18 votes
18 votes

From the Pythagorean theorem, we have


(2x)^2 + (3x)^2 = (√(52))^2

Simplifying both sides gives


4x^2 + 9x^2 = 52 \\\\ 13x^2 = 52 \\\\ x^2 = (52)/(13) = 4 \\\\ x = \pm\sqrt4 = \pm2

But we're talking about lengths, which can't be negative, so x = 2.

User RredCat
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