SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 10inches long. The shorter leg is 2inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.

Algebra ->  Surface-area -> SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 10inches long. The shorter leg is 2inches shorter than the longer leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.       Log On


   

Question 1116617: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is
10inches
long. The shorter leg is
2inches
shorter than the longer leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.

Answer by josgarithmetic(39621) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If x is longer leg, x-2 is the shorter leg, then
x%5E2%2B%28x-2%29%5E2=10%5E2
x%5E2%2Bx%5E2-4x%2B4-100=0
2x%5E2-4x-96=0
x%5E2-2x-48=0
%28x%2B6%29%28x-8%29=0

highlight%28x=8%29-------longer leg

highlight%286%29---------shorter leg