SOLUTION: In a right triangle ABC, CD is an altitude, such that AD=BC. Find AC, if AB=3 cm, and CD= 2 cm.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: In a right triangle ABC, CD is an altitude, such that AD=BC. Find AC, if AB=3 cm, and CD= 2 cm.       Log On


   

Question 1123996: In a right triangle ABC, CD is an altitude, such that AD=BC. Find AC, if AB=3 cm, and CD= 2 cm.
Answer by greenestamps(13200) About Me  (Show Source):
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Let AD=BC=x; then BD = 3-x.

Then in right triangle BDC the legs are 2 and 3-x and the hypotenuse is x. Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the value of x.

Then in right triangle ABC the legs are AC and x and the hypotenuse is 3. Use the Pythagorean Theorem again to find the length of AC.