SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 9 feet more than the shorter leg and the longer leg is 15 feet. Find the length of the shorter leg of the triangle.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 9 feet more than the shorter leg and the longer leg is 15 feet. Find the length of the shorter leg of the triangle.      Log On


   

Question 302751: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 9 feet more than the shorter leg and the longer leg is 15 feet. Find the length of the shorter leg of the triangle.
Answer by JBarnum(2146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
S=SHORT LEG
L=LONG LEG
H=HYPOTNUSE
H=9%2BS
L=15
L%5E2%2BS%5E2=H%5E2 KNOW YOUR FORMULAS
15%5E2%2BS%5E2=%289%2BS%29%5E2
225%2BS%5E2=%289%2BS%29%289%2BS%29
225%2BS%5E2=%2881%2B18S%2BS%5E2%29
225=81%2B18S
144=18S
144%2F18=S
8=S