SOLUTION: the diagonal (hypotenuse) of a large right triangle is 6 mi long, if one leg is 2 mi long how long is the other leg?

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: the diagonal (hypotenuse) of a large right triangle is 6 mi long, if one leg is 2 mi long how long is the other leg?       Log On


   

Question 1002734: the diagonal (hypotenuse) of a large right triangle is 6 mi long, if one leg is 2 mi long how long is the other leg?
Answer by MathLover1(20850) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
if the diagonal (hypotenuse) of a large right triangle is c=6mi long,and if one leg is a=2mi, use Pythagorean theorem to find out how long is the other leg b
c%5E2=a%5E2%2Bb%5E2
b%5E2=c%5E2-a%5E2
b%5E2=%286mi%29%5E2-%282mi%29%5E2
b%5E2=36mi%5E2-4mi%5E2
b%5E2=32mi%5E2
b=sqrt%2832mi%5E2%29
b=sqrt%282%2A16%29mi
b=4%2Asqrt%282%29mi...exact length of the other leg
b=4%2A1.414213562373095mi
b=5.65685424949238mi
b=5.7mi........approximately