SOLUTION: Find the length of the unknown side of a right triangle with sides a,b,and c where c is the hypotenuse using the following information. b=12, c=15

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Question 1006151: Find the length of the unknown side of a right triangle with sides a,b,and c where c is the hypotenuse using the following information.
b=12, c=15
Found 2 solutions by MathLover1, MathTherapy:
Answer by MathLover1(20849) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

recall: the hypotenuse c is the longest side of a right+triangle, opposite the right angle
so, use Pythagorean theorem:
given: b=12, c=15

c%5E2=a%5E2%2Bb%5E2
a%5E2=c%5E2-b%5E2
a%5E2=15%5E2-12%5E2
a%5E2=225-144
a%5E2=81
a=sqrt%2881%29
a=9

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Find the length of the unknown side of a right triangle with sides a,b,and c where c is the hypotenuse using the following information.
b=12, c=15 
A right triangle with a leg of 12 and a hypotenuse of 15 represents a special right triangle: the 3-4-5 right triangle

3(4) = 12

3(5) = 15

3(3) = 9

This is a 9-12-15 right triangle, which when reduced results in a 3-4-5 right triangle

Shorter leg: highlight_green%289%29