Question

Find the missing length. Round to the nearest tenth, if necessary.

Answer 1

x=16

Explanation:

this is the good ol' a^2 + b^2 = c^2

c is always the longest line, in this case 20.

so now you have 12^2 + b^2 =20^2 or 144+b^2=400.

subtract 144 from each side. B^2=256.

then you square root each side and you are left with b=16 and in this case B=X

Answer 2

Explanation:

The given triangle is a right angle triangle. From the triangle,

The hypotenuse = 20ft

The length of one leg or adjacent side is 12 feet.

x represents the length of the other leg or opposite side.

To determine x, we would apply Pythagoras theorem which is expressed as

Hypotenuse² = adjacent side² + opposite side²

Therefore

20² = 12² + x²

400 = 144 + x²

x² = 400 - 144

x² = 256

x = √256

x = 16 ft