SOLUTION: If the hypotenuse is 14 meters and one leg is 3 meters shorter than the other, what are the lengths of the leg

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: If the hypotenuse is 14 meters and one leg is 3 meters shorter than the other, what are the lengths of the leg      Log On


   

Question 1001339: If the hypotenuse is 14 meters and one leg is 3 meters shorter than the other, what are the lengths of the leg
Answer by CubeyThePenguin(3113) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
shorter leg = x

x^2 + (x+3)^2 = 14^2
2x^2 + 6x + 9 = 196
2x^2 + 6x - 187 = 0

x = -3/2 + sqrt(383)/2 which is roughly 8.29 m.