SOLUTION: could you explain the steps on how to do it? for example A=20 C=29

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: could you explain the steps on how to do it? for example A=20 C=29      Log On


   



Question 34317: could you explain the steps on how to do it? for example A=20 C=29
Answer by lyra(94) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The Pythagorean theorem. I am assuming that you want to know how to use it. If you want to know how to derive the Pythagorean theorem please see this website: http://www.mathguide.com/lessons/Pythagoras.html
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2 is the Pythagorean theorem.
Using the values you provided:
20%5E2%2Bb%5E2=29%5E2 Now you want to solve for b, you can solve this in the same way you solve other equations with variables (eg. x%5E2%2B15%5E2-78%5E2). We can take the square root of the whole equation to make it simplerand so we solve:
sqrt%2820%5E2%2Bb%5E2%29=sqrt%2829%5E2%29
20%2Bb-29=29-29
20%2Bb-29=0
20%2Bb-b-29=0-b
20-29=-b
b=-20%2B29
b=21
Hope this helps,
lyra