SOLUTION: A lot is in the shape of a right triangle. The shorter leg measures 60 meters. The hypotenuse is 20 meters longer than the length of the longer leg. How long is the longer leg

Question 235797: A lot is in the shape of a right triangle. The shorter leg measures 60 meters. The hypotenuse is 20 meters longer than the length of the longer leg. How long is the longer leg

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Solve using the five-step problem-solving process. Show all steps necessary to arrive at your solution.
i know that the 5 steps of problem, solving process is to
familiarize translate carry out check and state but i am not sure what order i start with to do the formula.
the

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(12684) (Show Source):
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A lot is in the shape of a right triangle.
The shorter leg measures 60 meters.
The hypotenuse is 20 meters longer than the length of the longer leg.
How long is the longer leg
:
Let x = the longer leg
then
(x+20) = the hypotenuse
:
60^2 + x^2 = (x+20)^2
:
FOIL the right side
3600 + x^2 = x^2 + 40x + 400
:
Group the x's on the left, numbers on the right
x^2 - x^2 - 40x = 400 - 3600
:
-40x = -3200
Multiply both sides by -1
40x = 3200
:
divide both sides by 40
x =
x = 80 meters is the longer leg
;
:
Check: hypotenuse = 80 + 20 = 100
60^2 + 80^2 = 100^2