Question

For the following right triangle, find the side length x. Round your answer to the nearest hundredth.

X

Answer 1

x ≈ 13.42

Explanation:

Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.

The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides, that is

x² + 12² = 18²

x² + 144 = 324 ( subtract 144 from both sides )

x² = 180 ( take the square root of both sides )

x =
`√(180)` ≈ 13.42 ( to the nearest hundredth )