Question

ABC is a right triangle. If AC = 7 and BC 8, find AB. Leave your answer in simplest radical form.

Answer 1

For base/Perpendicular

• AB²=8²-7²
• AB²=64-49
• AB²=15
• AB=√15

For Hypotenuse

• AB²=8²+7²=64+49
• AB²=113
• AB=√113

Answer 2

Explanation:

We don't know if AB is a hypotenuse or leg.

If AB is hypotenuse:

• 
  `AB=√(AC^2+BC^2) =√(7^2+8^2) =√(49+64) =√(113)`

If AB is leg:

• 
  `AB=√(BC^2-AC^2) =√(8^2-7^2) =√(64-49) =√(15)`