Question

Use the Pythagorean Theorem: x=

Answer 1

`√(253)`

Explanation:

The question asks to use the Pythagorean Theorem...

which is
`a^(2) + b^2 = c^2`

1. Note that c is always the hypotnuse (the longest side of the triangle)

• c = 17

2. Note that a and b represent both legs of the triangle

• a = 6

3. Find b using pythagorean theorem (x = b)

`6^2 + b^2 = 17^2\\36 + b^2 = 289\\b^2 = 253\\b=√(253) \\`

Since b is the missing side x, then
`x = √(253)`

Answer 2

Answer: x ≈ 15.9 cm

Explanation:

Our task is to find x.

We're given a right triangle; its side lengths are as follows:

• 6
• x
• 17

We need to find x. Since it's a right triangle, we will apply the Pythagorean Theorem:

`\sf{a^2+b^2=c^2}`

Where a and b are the shorter sides, often called "legs", and c is the longest side (hypotenuse).

In this problem,

• the legs are 6 and x
• the hypotenuse is 17

Substitute the data into the formula:

`\sf{x^2+6^2=17^2}`

Simplify:

`\sf{x^2=17^2-6^2}`

`\sf{x^2=289-36}`

`\sf{x^2=253}`

`\sf{x\approx15.9\:cm}` {answer} and we're done!! ^-^