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Question 171107: The lengths of the three sides of a right triangle are represented by consecutive even whole numbers. Find the lengths of the three sides.
I really need help with this one, I don't know how to begin. Thank you.
Answer by Alan3354(69443)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! The lengths of the three sides of a right triangle are represented by consecutive even whole numbers. Find the lengths of the three sides.
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The sides will be 2x, 2x+2 and 2x+4 (2x since the numbers are even)
The longest side squared = the sum of the other 2 sides squared, since it's a right triangle.
(2x+4)^2 = (2x)^2 + (2x+2)^2
4x^2 + 16x + 16 = 4x^2 + 4x^2 + 8x + 4
16x + 16 = 4x^2 + 8x + 4
4x^2 -8x -12 = 0
x^2 - 2x - 3 = 0
(x-3)*(x+1) = 0
x = -1
x = 3
Ignore the -1.
So the sides are 6, 8 and 10.
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