SOLUTION: A right triangle has one of its shorter sides 3cm longer than the other. if the square on the hypotenuse is 225cm^2, find the length of the shortest side. give your answer in cm.

Question 760438: A right triangle has one of its shorter sides 3cm longer than the other. if the square on the hypotenuse is 225cm^2, find the length of the shortest side. give your answer in cm.
Answer by Cromlix(4381) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Longer side = x
Shorter side = x - 3
x^2 + (x-3)^2 = 225
x^2 + x^2 - 6x + 9 = 225
2x^2 - 6x - 216 = 0
Divide by 2
x^2 - 3x - 108 = 0
(x - 12)(x + 9) = 0
x = 12 x = -9 (No answer)
Longer side = 12cm
Shorter side = 9cm
12^2 + 9^2 = 225 cm^2
144 + 81 = 225 cm^2
225 = 225.
Hope this helps.
:-)

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