Question

USING A2+B2=c2
For the following right triangle, find the side length x.
DELL

Answer 1

`x=15`

Explanation:

Pythagorean theorem:
`c^2 = a^2 + b^2`, where c is the longest side (hypotenuse), a and b are the other sides of the right angled triangle.

In this question, c is labelled as
`x`.

Therefore, we can use the theorem to find
`x`.

`x^2 = a^2+b^2`

So, substitute in the other sides and solve for
`x`.

`x^2 = (9)^2 + (12)^2\\x^2 = 81 + 144\\x^2 = 225\\x = 15`

We can see the answer is correct because it is meant to be the largest side and
`15> 12>9`.