SOLUTION: I've been stuck on this problem for a long time, and I REALLY need some help! The question is: "The longer leg of a right triangle is 4 feet longer than the other leg. Find the l

Question 562716: I've been stuck on this problem for a long time, and I REALLY need some help!
The question is:
"The longer leg of a right triangle is 4 feet longer than the other leg. Find the length of the two legs if the hypotenuse is 20 feet." I know that you set it up like this: x^2+(x+4)^2=20.
I need to show work, but I don't really know what I'm doing.
Answer by issacodegard(60) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Hi, your right about how to set it up! So I'll work out the steps,

Expand using FOIL:

Simplify:

Use the quadratic formula:

Since x represents a distance, we know x>=0. So, the length of the first leg is

And, the second leg has length,

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