SOLUTION: how do i find the missing length of a right triangle if a=12 and b=18

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: how do i find the missing length of a right triangle if a=12 and b=18      Log On


   

Question 195605: how do i find the missing length of a right triangle if a=12 and b=18
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, stanbon:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let's make "x" the unknown side.


a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2 Start with the Pythagorean theorem.


12%5E2%2B18%5E2=x%5E2 Plug in a=12, b=18, c=x


144%2B18%5E2=x%5E2 Square 12 to get 144.


144%2B324=x%5E2 Square 18 to get 324.


468=x%5E2 Combine like terms.


x%5E2=468 Rearrange the equation.


x=sqrt%28468%29 Take the square root of both sides. Note: only the positive square root is considered (since a negative length doesn't make sense).


x=6%2Asqrt%2813%29 Simplify the square root.


================================================================


Answer:


So the solution is x=6%2Asqrt%2813%29 which approximates to x=21.633.

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
find the missing length of a right triangle if a=12 and b=18
---------------
c^2 = a^2 + b^2
-------
c = sqrt(12^2 + 18^2)
c = sqrt(468)
c = 21.63....
Cheers,
Stan H.