SOLUTION: In a right triangle, the shortest leg is two inches less than the longer leg. The hypotenuse is two inches longer than the longer leg. Find the measures of the sides of the righ

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Question 428647: In a right triangle, the shortest leg is two inches less than the longer leg. The hypotenuse is two inches longer than the longer leg. Find the measures of the sides of the right triangle.

Answer by ewatrrr(24785)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi
the shortest leg is two inches less than the longer leg
The hypotenuse is two inches longer than the longer leg
Let x-2, x, x+2 represent the legs and hpotenuse respectively
Applying the Pythagorean Theorem
(x-2)^2 + x^2 = (x+2)^2
x^2 - 4x+4 + x^2 = x^2 + 4x + 4
x^2 - 8x = 0
x(x-8) = 0
x = 8in, the other leg is 6in and the hyportenuse is 10in
CHECKING our Answer***
6in^2 + 8in^2 = 36in^2 + 64in^2 = 100in^2 = 10in^2
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