Question

The lengths of two sides of the right triangle ABC shown in the illustration givena=12 cm and c= 20cm

Answer 1

In the right triangle of sides a, b, and c

`a^2+b^2=c^2`

Since a = 12 and c = 20

Substitute them in the given rule

`\begin{gathered} (12)^2+b^2=(20)^2 \\ 144+b^2=400 \end{gathered}`

Subtract 144 from both sides

`\begin{gathered} 144-144+b^2=400-144 \\ b^2=256 \end{gathered}`

Take a square root for both sides

`\begin{gathered} \sqrt[]{b^2}=\sqrt[]{256} \\ b=16 \end{gathered}`

The answer is b = 16