SOLUTION: PLease help. I think I have this one figured out, but I have a question about the end. The problem is: In a right triangle, find the length of the side not given. One side is a, t

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: PLease help. I think I have this one figured out, but I have a question about the end. The problem is: In a right triangle, find the length of the side not given. One side is a, t      Log On


   

Question 177391: PLease help. I think I have this one figured out, but I have a question about the end. The problem is: In a right triangle, find the length of the side not given. One side is a, the other side is 1 and the hypotneuse is the square root of 5.
So I used the formula of a^2+b^2=c^2 and plugged in the numbers.
a^2+(1)^2=the square root of 5^2.
my question is would that become the problem: a^2+1=5 ?
Thank you
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You're on the right track, I'll start where you left off.


a%5E2%2B1=5 Start with the given equation.


a%5E2=5-1 Subtract 1 from both sides.


a%5E2=4 Combine like terms.


a=sqrt%284%29 Take the square root of both sides. Note: we're only taking the positive square root.


a=2 Take the square root of 4 to get 2


So the solution is a=2 which means that the missing side length is 2 units.