SOLUTION: I am working on a summer math project and it deals with the pythagorean theorem, which is a concept I have lots of trouble with. So the equation is an isosceles triangle with a 5 m

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I am working on a summer math project and it deals with the pythagorean theorem, which is a concept I have lots of trouble with. So the equation is an isosceles triangle with a 5 m      Log On


   



Question 980347: I am working on a summer math project and it deals with the pythagorean theorem, which is a concept I have lots of trouble with. So the equation is an isosceles triangle with a 5 meter base and the longest side being 13 meters, however the height is classified as x. I inserted 5 and 13 into the formula a^2 + b^2= c^2 which gives me 5^2 + 13^2 = x^2. I dont know if that is the correct setup but i reached the point where 194 = x^2 and got lost. I do not know what to do next, please help.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You've used the equation incorrectly.
In the equation a and b are the shorter legs of the right triangle while c is the longest side of the right triangle or the hypotenuse.
In the case you have, the hypotenuse equals 13 and the unknown leg is the height, x.
So,
5%5E2%2Bx%5E2=13%5E2
Now solve for x.