Question

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for the unknown side length x in the triangle.

Answer 1

x = 15.20

Explanation:

Pythagoras' Theorem: a² + b² = c²

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

Given:

• a = 5
• b = x
• c = 16

Substituting these values into the formula and solving for b:

⇒ 5² + x² = 16²

⇒ 25 + x² = 256

⇒ x² = 256 - 25

⇒ x² = 231

⇒ x = ±√(231)

⇒ x = ±15.19868415...

As distance is positive, x = 15.20 (nearest hundredth) only.