Question

A certain television is advertised as a 17-inch TV (the diagonal length). If the width of

the TV is 8 inches, how many inches tall is the TV?

Answer 1

15 inches

Explanation:

We can solve this problem using the Pythagorean theorem. The formula is:

`a^(2) + b^(2) = c^(2)`

where 'c' is the hypotenuse (the longest side) and 'a' and 'b' are the legs (the other sides).

First, draw a diagram for the problem. (See the photo attached below)

We know the other leg is 8 and the hypotenuse is 17. 'a' is the missing side.

a = ?

b = 8

c = 17

Substitute the values into the equation.

`a^(2) + b^(2) = c^(2)`

`a^(2) + 8^(2) = 17^(2)`

Rearrange to isolate 'a'

`a^(2) = 17^(2) - 8^(2)\\` Square root both sides

`a = \sqrt{17^(2) - 8^(2)}` Square each number

`a = √(289-64)` Subtract under the root

`a = √(225)` Find the square root

`a =15` Final answer

Therefore, the TV is 15 inches tall.