Question

The ratio of the one leg of

the right triangle to the other
leg of the right triangle must
be 8:7. Determine the
greatest length of one leg of
the right triangle given the
other leg of the right triangle
is 10.5 feet.

Answer 1

12 ft

Explanation:

We assume right triangle ABC with the right angle being at B. We are given that the ratio of AB/CB = 8/7, and one leg is 10.5. Let's call the other leg is X. We don't know which leg is which so assume both. Then

(a) assume the X leg is the longer

8 / 7 = X / 10.5

(8 * 10.5) / 7= X

X = 12

OR (b) assume the X leg is the shorter

8/7 = 10.5 / X

(8X / 7) = 10.5

8X = 10.5 * 7

8X = 73.5

X = 9.1875

(a) is the greater so (a) wins