Question

Calculate the value of a in the triangle below.
15 cm
12 cm
a cm

Answer 1

a = 11cm

Explanation:

We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the value of a.

Let us solve it now.

`\sf {a}^(2) + {12}^(2) = {15}^(2)`

Now solve for a and and find the length of the side.

`\sf {a}^(2) + 144 = 225 \\ \sf {a}^(2) = 225 - 144 \\ \sf{a}^(2) = 121 \\ \sf \: a = √(121) \\ \sf \: a = 11`