Question

Find the length of side a

Answer 1

a = 4

Explanation:

Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.

The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides, that is

a² + 3² = 5²

a² + 9 = 25 ( subtract 9 from both sides )

a² = 16 ( take the square root of both sides )

a =
`√(16)` = 4

Answer 2

a = 4

Explanation:

a² = 5² - 3²

a² = 25 - 9 = 16

√16 = 4

a = 4