Question

Triangle ABC is a right triangle. The sides measure AB = 3 and BC = 4. Use the Pythagorean theorem to find CA. A. CA = 25 B. CA = 2.5 C. CA = 20 D. CA = 5

Answer 1

D. CA = 5

Explanation:

The Pythagorean Theorem states that given a right triangle with legs a and b and hypotenuse (longest side) c:

a² + b² = c²

Here, the legs are 3 and 4, so a = 3 and b = 4. Plug these in to find c:

a² + b² = c²

3² + 4² = c²

9 + 16 = c²

25 = c²

c = √25 = 5

The answer is thus D.

~ an aesthetics lover

Answer 2

CA = 5

Explanation:

Since the sides are 3 and 4, we recognize this as a 3:4:5 right triangle, with CA = 5. Using the Pythagorean theorem confirms this:

CA² = AB² +BC²

CA² = 3² +4² = 9 +16 = 25

CA = √25

CA = 5