Answer:
Explanation:
Guiding Statement
You must find x before you can find y. If an altitude is dropped from the right angle to the hypotenuse, then the value of the altitude = the two parts of hypotenuse multiplied together = the altitude squared.
Formula
Perhaps, instead of all that language, it is easier just to show you this in terms of what you have been given.
Solution
x^2 = 72 Factor 72 into prime factors.
x^2 = 8 * 9
x^2 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3 Take the square root of both sides.
√x^2 = √(2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3)
Rule
For every pair of equal prime factors, take 1 factor outside the root sign and throw the other one away.
√x^2 = √(2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3)
x = √(2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3) Apply the rule
x = 2 * 3 √2
x = 6√2
Now with y
a = 6√2
b = 12
c = y Use the Pythagorean Theorum
c^2 = a^2 + b^2
c^2 = (6√2)^2 + 12^2
c^2 = 36*2 + 144
c^2 = 72 + 144
c^2 = 216
c = 6 √6
answer
x = 6√2
y = 6√6