SOLUTION: Note that a^2 + b^2 = c^2 To work under a car, a mechanic drives it up, using a steel ramp. Find the length of each side of the ramp. Supporting information: a= x ft b=

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Question 1128547: Note that a^2 + b^2 = c^2

To work under a car, a mechanic drives it up, using a steel ramp. Find the length of each side of the ramp.
Supporting information:
a= x ft
b= (x+1) ft
c= (x+2) ft
Answer by MathLover1(20855) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Note that a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2+

a=+x ft
b=+%28x%2B1%29 ft
c=+%28x%2B2%29 ft
x%5E2+%2B+%28x%2B1%29%5E2+=+%28x%2B2%29%5E2+
x%5E2+%2B+x%5E2%2B2x%2B1+=+x%5E2%2B4x%2B4+
x%5E2+%2B+cross%28x%5E2%29%2B2x%2B1+-cross%28x%5E2%29-4x-4=0+
x%5E2+-2x-3=0+
x%5E2%2Bx+-3x-3=0+
%28x%5E2%2Bx%29+-%283x%2B3%29=0+
x%28x%2B1%29+-3%28x%2B1%29=0+
%28x+-3%29%28x%2B1%29=0+
%28x+-3%29=0+->x=3-> we need only positive solution (the length)
%28x%2B1%29=0+->x=-1

a=3 ft
b=+%28x%2B1%29=4 ft
c=+%28x%2B2%29=5 ft