Question

Determine the length of the unknown side of the right triangle. If it is not an exact answer, what integer is it closest to? (Don't forget to include units!)​

Answer 1

12in

Explanation:

15in squared - 9in squared is 144in and the square root of 144 is 12

Answer 2

12 in

Explanation:

Pythagoras' Theorem: a² + b² = c²

(where a and b are the legs, and c is the hypotenuse, of a right triangle)

let x = unknown side

Given:

• a = x
• b = 9
• c = 15

Substituting the given values into the equation:

⇒ x² + 9² = 15²

⇒ x² + 81 = 225

⇒ x² + 81 - 81 = 225 - 81

⇒ x² = 144

⇒ x = √(144)

⇒ x = ±12

As the length is positive, x = 12 only.

Therefore, the length of the unknown side is 12 in.