Question

Using the pythagorean theorem find the length of a leg of a right triangle if the other leg is 8feet long and the hypotenuse is 10 feet long

Answer 1

The Pythagorean Theorem is a² + b² = c². Since the hypotenuse is 10 ft, c=10. The other leg is 8 ft, so b=8. Plug 10 into c, and 8 into b.

a² + 8² = 10²

Square 8 and 10.

= a² + 64 = 100

Subtract 64 from both sides.

= a² = 36

Find the square root of 36.

a = 6