Question

The two sides of a right triangle differ by one. If the hypotenuse is 29 cm, then determine the

lengths of the two sides.

Answer 1

Let the sides be a and b

a^2 + b^2 = c^2 = 29^2 = 841

a^2 + (a + 1)^2 = 841

a^2 + a^2 + 2 a + 1 = 841

2 a^2 + 2 a = 840

a (a + 1) = 420

21 * 20 = 420 trial and error

So the sides are 20 and 21

20^2 + 21^2 = 29^2