Question

If AB = 55, and BC = 49, find the length of the radius to the nearest tenth. Assume BC is tangent to Circle A.

Answer 1

25.0

Explanation:

Notice that points A, B, and C form a right triangle. This allows us to use the Pythagorean theorem, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, to find the missing side. AB is the hypotenuse, so substitute 55 for c, and BC is the leg, so substitute 49 into either a or b in the formula.

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

49^2 + b^2 = 55^2

b^2 = 3025 - 2401

b^2 = 624

b = sqrt (624)

b = 24.9799919936