Question

The figure shows two right traingles, each with its longest side on the same line. For each triangle calculate [vertical side] and [horizontal side]

Answer 1

Apply Pythagorean theorem:

c^2 = a^2+b^2

Where:

c= hypotenuse (longest side )

a & b = the other 2 sides of the triangle

Replacing with the values (smaller triangle)

c^2 = 4^2 + 2^2

c = √4^2 + 2^2

c = √16+4

c=√20

c= 4.472 ( RT )

For the big triangle:

c^2 = a^2+ b^2

XZ^2 = XY^2 + 3^2

Since both triangles are similar :

2 x =3

x = 3/2 (ratio)

4*3/2= 6 (XY )