SOLUTION: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 8 other two sides are unknown. Perimeter is 18, find the other legs. Round answers to three significant figures. I got 7.645 and 2.355. would be a

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 8 other two sides are unknown. Perimeter is 18, find the other legs. Round answers to three significant figures. I got 7.645 and 2.355. would be a      Log On


   

Question 877777: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 8 other two sides are unknown. Perimeter is 18, find the other legs. Round answers to three significant figures. I got 7.645 and 2.355. would be awesome if you could show me how to solve it mathematically, as i forgot what i did.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39838) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The legs are x and y.

x%5E2%2By%5E2=8%5E2 for the Pythagorean Theorem sides relationship, and x%2By%2B8=18 for the perimeter.

Perimeter equation goes through
x%2By=10
y=10-x
Substituting into right triangle pythagorean thm. equation,
x%5E2%2B%2810-x%29%5E2=64
x%5E2%2B100-20x%2Bx%5E2=64
-20x%2B100=64
-20x=64-100
20x=100-64
20x=36
x=36%2F20=18%2F10=9%2F5
highlight%28x=9%2F5%29
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Again using just the simplified relationship from perimeter equation,
y=10-9%2F5
y=50%2F5-9%2F5
highlight%28y=41%2F5%29