Answer:
x = 6
a = 18 ft
b = 36 ft
General Formulas and Concepts:
Pre-Algebra
- Order of Operations: BPEMDAS
Algebra I
- Factoring/Expanding
- Solving quadratics
Trigonometry
- Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
Explanation:
Step 1: Define
Given: Right triangle
a = 3x
b = 6x
c = 40
Step 2: Solve for x
- Substitute: (3x)² + (6x)² = 40²
- Evaluate: 9x² + 36x² = 1600
- Combine like terms: 45x² = 1600
- Isolate x term: x² = 320/9
- Isolate x: x = (±8√5)/3
- Evaluate: x = ±5.96285
Since it is not a quadrant triangle, we must use the positive value for x.
Step 3: Find legs
Leg a
- Define: 3x
- Substitute: 3(5.96285)
- Multiply: 17.8885
- Round: 18
Leg b
- Define: 6x
- Substitute: 6(5.96285)
- Multiply: 35.7771
- Round: 36