SOLUTION: The longest side of a right trangle is 3 less than twice the shortest side. The third side measures 12 inches. Find the length of the shortest side.

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Question 129501This question is from textbook
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The longest side of a right trangle is 3 less than twice the shortest side. The third side measures 12 inches. Find the length of the shortest side. This question is from textbook

Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
12^2+X^2=(2X-3)^2
144+X^2=4X^2-12X+9
X^2-4X^2+12X+144-9=0
-3X^2+12X+135=0
-3(X^2-4X-45)=0
-3(X-9)(X+5)=0
X-9=0
X=9 ANSWER FOR THE SHORTEST SIDE..
2*9-3=18-3=15 IS THE LONGEST SIDE.
12=THE THIRD SIDE.
PROOF:
12^2+9^2=15^2
144+81=225
225=225