Question

The hypotenuse of a right triangle measures 15 cm and one of its legs

measures 9 cm. Find the measure of the other leg. If necessary, round to the
nearest tenth.

Answer 1

12

Explanation:

Use Pythagorean Theorem

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

`9^(2)` +
`b^(2)` =
`15^(2)`

81 +
`b^(2)` = 225

`b^(2)` = 144 (subtract 81 both sides)

b = 12 (square root each side)

Answer 2

Given -

➣ The hypotenuse of a right triangle measures 15 cm.

➣ one of its legs (base) measures 9 cm.

To find -

➣ the measure of the other leg (perpendicular).

➣ to round the answer to nearest tenth.

Solution -

Here,

p = perpendicular of the triangle

b = base of the triangle

h = hypotenuse of the triangle

Using the Pythagoras Theorem,

(height)² = (perpendicular)² +(base)²

i.e h² = p² + b²

➩ (15)² = p² + (9)²

➩ p² = (15)² - (9)²

➩ p² = 225 - 81

➩ p² = 144

➩ p = √144

➩ p = 12 cm

Hence, the measure of the other leg is 12cm.

_____________________________

12

⇣

__

10

__

Round 12 to nearest tenth gives 10 as the answer.