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Pythagorean theorem with a unknown leg

Pythagorean theorem with a unknown leg-example-1

1 Answer

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Answer:

c = √29

Explanation:

The Pythagorean theorem tells you the sum of the squares of the legs is the square of the hypotenuse.

Application

Each corner triangle has legs of 2 and 5, and hypotenuse 'c'.

2² +5² = c²

c² = 4 +25 = 29

c = √29

The value under the radical is 29.

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Alternate solution

The four triangles have a total area of ...

A = 4(1/2)(bh) = 2bh = 2(5)(2) = 20

The overall square has an area of ...

A = s² = (2 +5)² = 49

Then the area of the square whose side length is 'c' is ...

smaller square area = c² = 49 -20 = 29

Taking the square root gives ...

c = √29

User Bhunesh  Satpada
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