Question

What equation could be used to find the missing leg length a in a right triangle with a hypotenuse of 60 and leg length of 51?

Answer 1

Pythagoras theorem

EXPLANATION

HYPOTHENUS SQUARE =OPPOSITE SQUARE + ADJACENT SQUARE

i.e 60^2= 51^2+x^2

i.e 3600=2601+x^2

collecting like terms we have

3600-2601=x^2

999=x^2

√999=x

x=31.6

Answer 2

Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c² should be used.

Explanation:

51² + b² = 60²

b² = 60² - 51²

b = 3√111

b = 31.607

Pythagorean Theorem is used to find any missing side of a right triangle if 2 other sides are present.