Question

Given the right triangle below, if AB = 12 and AC = 31, find BC. (round to the nearest whole number.

Answer 1

From the given right triangle, using Pythagorean theorem, it follows:

`AC^2=AB^2+BC^2`

Substitute AB = 12 and AC = 31 into the equation:

`31^2=12^2+BC^2`

Solve for BC:

`\begin{gathered} 961=144=BC^2 \\ BC^2=961-144 \\ BC^2=817 \\ BC=√(817) \\ BC\approx29 \end{gathered}`

Therefore the required answer is 29