SOLUTION: I don't know what I'm doing. Please help me figure this problem. Thank you in advance for all your assistance. The problem has a hypoteneuse triangle with the longest side bein

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: I don't know what I'm doing. Please help me figure this problem. Thank you in advance for all your assistance. The problem has a hypoteneuse triangle with the longest side bein      Log On


   

Question 87469: I don't know what I'm doing. Please help me figure this problem. Thank you in advance for all your assistance.
The problem has a hypoteneuse triangle with the longest side being 51ft. and the base is 45ft. I have to "Find the length x. Express your answer in simplified radical form". I have no idea how to do this.
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This would be a Theorem of Pythagoras problem, with the hypotenuse of 51 ft. and one of the legs 45 ft. The length x represents the other leg of the right triangle.

By Theorem of Pythagoras, a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2, where a and b are the legs, and c must be the hypotenuse.
x%5E2+%2B+45%5E2+=+51%5E2
x%5E2+%2B+2025=2601

Subtract 2025 from each side:
x%5E2+=+576

Take the square root of each side:
x=+sqrt%28576%29 or x=-sqrt%28576%29
x=24 or x=-24

The negative answer must be rejected since this is the side of a triangle, which cannot be negative.

Final answer x=24 ft.

If anyone needs additional help with Theorem of Pythagoras, see my Lesson Plan in algebra.com, or go to my own website by clicking on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com. Then look for MATH IN LIVING COLOR, in "Basic Algebra" or "Intermediate Algebra", in both of these look for Theorem of Pythagoras in Chapter 2.

R^2 Retired from SCC