SOLUTION: The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the SHORTER leg in a right trianle is 8:5. The hypotenuse measures 144 meters. Find the length og the LONGER leg. the pr

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the SHORTER leg in a right trianle is 8:5. The hypotenuse measures 144 meters. Find the length og the LONGER leg. the pr      Log On


   



Question 613521: The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the SHORTER leg in a right trianle is 8:5. The hypotenuse measures 144 meters. Find the length og the LONGER leg.
the problems

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the SHORTER leg in a right triangle is 8:5.
The hypotenuse measures 144 meters. Find the length of the LONGER leg.
:
Let x = the multiplier
then
8x = the hypotenuse
5x = shorter leg
:
Find the value of the multiplier
8x = 144
x = 144/8
x = 18 is the multiplier
:
find the shorter leg
5*18 = 90 m is the shorter leg
:
Find the longer leg (b)
b = sqrt%28144%5E2-90%5E2%29
b = 112.41 m is the longer leg