Question

The longest side in a right triangle is 24 cm, and the second longest side is 20 cm. Find the length of the shortest side

Answer 1

Answer: the answer is 13.3

Answer 2

13.3 cm

Explanation:

Apply the Pythagorean Theorem:

hyp² = (2nd longest side)² + (shortest side)². Here the numbers are:

(24 cm)² = (20 cm)² + (shortest side)², or

576 - 400 = 176 = hyp²

Taking the square root of both sides, we get (shortest side) = 13.3 cm