SOLUTION: A right triangle has one leg two centimeters longer than the other. The hypotenuse is 17 centimeters long.Write an equation to find the lengths of the legs. Find the length of the

Question 279956: A right triangle has one leg two centimeters longer than the other. The hypotenuse is 17 centimeters long.Write an equation to find the lengths of the legs. Find the length of the two legs.
I decided it should be: 17^2=x^2+(x+2)^2
Is this correct and how does it solve????? I just cannot figure it out! Thanks!
Answer by checkley77(12844) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You've got the right formula.
17^2=x^2+(x+2)^2
289=x^2+x^2+4x+4
289=2x^2+4x+4
2x^2+4x+4-289=0
2x^2+4x-285=0

x=(-4+-sqrt[4^2-4*2*-285])/2*2
x=(-4+-sqrt[16+2,280])/4
x=(-4+-sqrt2,296)/4
x=(-4+-47.917)/4
x=(-4+47.917)/4
x=43.917/4
x=10.979 ans.
x=(-4-47.917)/4
x=-51.917/4
x=-12.979 ans.
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