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What is the length of the hypotenuse? If necessary, round to the nearest tenth.

1 in 2 in What is the length of the hypotenuse? If necessary, round to the nearest-example-1

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Answer:


\boxed {\boxed {\sf c \approx 2.2 \ inches}}

Explanation:

This triangle has a small square in the corner, representing a right angle. This means we can use the Pythagorean Theorem.


a^2+b^2=c^2

Where a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse.

In this triangle, the legs are 2 and 1, because they form the right angle. The hypotenuse, which is opposite the right angle, is unknown.

  • a = 2
  • b=1

Substitute the known values into the formula.


(2)^2+(1)^2=c^2

Solve the exponents.

  • (2)²= 2*2=4


4+(1)^2=c^2

  • (1)²=1*1=1


4+1=c^2

Add.


5=c^2

Since we are solving for c, we must isolate the variable. Since it is being squared, we take the square root of both sides.


\sqrt {5}= √(c^2) \\


2.2360679775=c

We have to round to the nearest tenth. The 3 in the hundredth place tells us to leave the 2 in the tenths place.


2.2 \approx c

The hypotenuse is approximately 2.2 inches.

User Kevin DiTraglia
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