SOLUTION: Need help solving this problem Solve for x: (The following is all the info I have about this right triangle.) Leg a is x Leg b is 4x Leg c is ?

Question 176918: Need help solving this problem
Solve for x: (The following is all the info I have about this right triangle.)
Leg a is x
Leg b is 4x
Leg c is ?

Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Solve for x: (The following is all the info I have about this right triangle.)
Leg a is x
Leg b is 4x
Leg c is ?
---------------------
The answer depends on whether leg c is or is not the hypotenuse.
-----------
1st If it is the hypotenuse:
c^2 = a^2 + b^2
c^2 = x^2 + (4x)^2 = 17x^2
c = xsqrt(17)
=======================
2nd: if it is not the hypotenuse and b is the hypotenuse:
b^2 = a^2 + c^2
(4x)^2 = x^2 + c^2
c^2 = 16x^2 - x^2
c^2 = 15x^2
c = xsqrt(15)
=========================
Cheers,
Stan H.
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