Question

If the lengths of two sides of a right triangle are 5 and 12 units, what is the least possible length, in units, of the third side? Express your answer in simplest radical form.

Answer 1

13

Explanation:

Answer 2

(leg)^2 + (leg)^2 = (hypotenuse)^2

(5)^2 + (12)^2 = (h)^2

25 + 144 = (h)^2

169 = (h)^2

sqrt{169} = sqrt{(h)^2}

-13 = h

13 = h

We reject h = -13 because length is a distance and distance cannot be negative.

So, h = 13 units is the answer.