Question

What is the length of TW?

Answer 1

`TW=8\ units`

Explanation:

From the figure we can see that Δ YTW is a right triangle with sides:

WY = Hypotenuse (longest side)

TW = Shorter Leg

TY = Larger leg

Applying Pythagorean theorem.

`(Hypotenuse)^2=(Shorter\ leg)^2+(Larger\ Leg)^2`

Thus for Δ YTW

`WY^2=TW^2+TY^2`

Plugging in values
`TY=15` and
`YW=17`

`17^2=TW^2+15^2`

`289=TW^2+225`

Subtracting 225 both sides.

`289-225=TW^2+225-225`

`64=TW^2`

Taking square root both sides.

`√(64)=√(TW^2)`

`8=TW`

∴
`TW=8\ units` (Answer)