SOLUTION: the sum of the length of the longer leg of a right triangle and 4 equals the length of the hypotenuse. The shorter leg is 4 inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the length of

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: the sum of the length of the longer leg of a right triangle and 4 equals the length of the hypotenuse. The shorter leg is 4 inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the length of      Log On


   

Question 1124373: the sum of the length of the longer leg of a right triangle and 4 equals the length of the hypotenuse. The shorter leg is 4 inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the length of the longer leg.
Found 3 solutions by ikleyn, Alan3354, solver91311:
Answer by ikleyn(52780) About Me  (Show Source):
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The legs are 12 and 16 inches long.

The hypotenuse is 20 inches long.

Classic (3,4,5)-right angled triangle.


Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the sum of the length of the longer leg of a right triangle and 4 equals the length of the hypotenuse. The shorter leg is 4 inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the length of the longer leg.
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a = longer leg, b = shorter. c = hypotenuse
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b = a-4
c = a+4
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(a-4)^2 + a^2 = (a+4)^2
2a^2 - 8a + 16 = a^2 + 8a + 16
a^2 - 16a = 0
a = 16




Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!




Solve for


John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it