SOLUTION: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 13 cm. Sum of the two other sides is 17 cm. Find the unknown side lengths.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 13 cm. Sum of the two other sides is 17 cm. Find the unknown side lengths.      Log On


   

Question 813958: Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 13 cm.
Sum of the two other sides is 17 cm.
Find the unknown side lengths.
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi,

Hypotenuse of a right triangle is 13 cm.

Sum of the two other sides is 17 cm.

Let unknown sides be represented by:  x  and (17-x)

 x%5E2+%2B+%2817-x%29%5E2+=+13%5E2

     x^2+ 289 -34x +x^2 = 169 

2x^2 -34x + 120 = 0

  x^2 - 17x + 60 = 0

 (x-5)(x-12) = 0 

 (x-5) = 0,  x = 5cm

(x-12) = 0,  x = 12cm