Question

explain how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing length of a right triangle. Give one example.

Answer 1

Given data:

Suppose two sides of the right angle triangle are a=3 meter and b=4 meter and in order to calculate the longest side, the expression for the Pythagoras theorem is,

`a^2+b^2=c^2`

Substitute 3 meter for a, and 4 meter for b in the above expression.

`\begin{gathered} (3m)^2+(4m)^2=c^2 \\ 25m^2=c^2 \\ c=5\text{ m} \end{gathered}`

Here, consider only positive value of c because length can't be negative.

Thus, the Pythagoras theorem is used to find the missing side of the right angle triangle when any two sides are given.