Question

A right triangle has the side legnths 4 units, 5 units, and x units. It is unknown if the missing length is the longest or shortest side.

Rounded to the nearest tenth, what is the difference between the possible values of x ?

Answer 1

For longest x = 6.4

For shortest x = 3

Explanation:

Given a right angle triangle with lengths 4 units and 5 units and x units .

x can be gotten using Pythagoras theorem .

If x Is the longest side , then

x^2 = 5^2 + 4^2

= 5x5 + 4x4

= 25 + 16

x^2 = 41

x = squared root of 41

x = 6.4

If x is the shortest side ,

x^2 = 5^2 - 4^2

= 5x5 - 4x4

= 25 - 16

x^2 = 9

x = squared root of 9

x = 3