SOLUTION: I an using the Pythagorean theorem to find the horizontal side of a right triangle. The hypothenuse is 1 and the vertical side is 0.5. I know that the answer is b= sqrt 1^2-0.5^2 a

Question 23169: I an using the Pythagorean theorem to find the horizontal side of a right triangle. The hypothenuse is 1 and the vertical side is 0.5. I know that the answer is b= sqrt 1^2-0.5^2 and I think the answer is the sqrt of 3 divided by 2. However, I do not know WHY the sqrt of 3 divided by 2 is the answer. I would really appreciate if someone could explain the process of getting the answer.
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Write the 0.5 as 1/2.
Then 1^2 = (1/2)^2 + x^2 where "x" is the horizontal side.
1 = 1/4 +x^2
x^2 = 3/4
x = (sqrt3)/2
Cheers,
Stan H.
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