Question

The hypotnuse of a right triangle is three times the length of its first leg. Theblength of the other leg is four feet. Find the lengths of the first leg and the hypotnduse and enter them in the below squares in this order. For non-integer answer(s), round your answer(s) to the nearest tenth.

Answer 1

Length of first leg = 1.4feet

Hypotenuse = 4.2feet

Step-by-step explanation:

Since we are dealing with a right angled triangle, we will apply the Pythagoras theorem to solve the question. According to Pythagoras theorem, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum if the square of the other two legs.

Mathematically, a² = b²+c² where a is the hypotenuse and b, c are the other two legs.

From the question, since hypotenuse of a right triangle is three times the length of its first leg, then a = 3b.

Also the other leg is four feet i.e c= 4

Substituting this values into the Pythagoras formula;

a²=b²+c²

(3b)² = b²+4²

9b² = b²+16

9b²-b² = 16

8b² = 16

b² = 16/8

b² = 2

b = √2

b = 1.4

Since a = 3b

a = 3(1.4)

a = 4.2

Hence, the length of the first leg is 1.4feet and that of the hypotenuse is 4.2feet both to the nearest tenth.