Question

A right triangle is shown below.

Х
4
8.5
What is the value of x? Enter your value as a decimal rounded to the nearest tenth,

Answer 1

Answer: x = 7.5

Explanation:

Use the Pythagorean Theorem (
`a^(2)+b^(2) =c^(2)` )

The longest side is c = the hypotenuse, and a and b = the other sides of the triangle.

a = 4 First:
`4^(2)+x^(2)=8.5^(2)`

b = x Second:
`16+x^(2)=72.25`

c = 8.5 Third:
`x^(2)=56.25`

Fourth:
`x=√(56.25)`

Fifth: x = 7.5