SOLUTION: How do I Find the missing lengths of the triangle? The Hypotenuse is 17, the opposite to is x and the adjacent is x+7.

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: How do I Find the missing lengths of the triangle? The Hypotenuse is 17, the opposite to is x and the adjacent is x+7.       Log On


   

Question 272943: How do I Find the missing lengths of the triangle? The Hypotenuse is 17, the opposite to is x and the adjacent is x+7.
Found 2 solutions by bobdabuildr, JBarnum:
Answer by bobdabuildr(27) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2
So the formula for your problem should look like:
x%5E2%2B%28x%2B7%29%5E2=17%5E2
Just solve for x and you will have the answer.



Answer by JBarnum(2146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
ok this place is all about showing work which means dont do half of the problem, maybe they might get as far as one shows and then doesnt know where to go from there, so we as tutors need to show all work.
A%5E2%2BB%5E2=C%5E2 C=hypotnuse C=17 A=x B=x+7
%28x%29%5E2%2B%28x%2B7%29%5E2=%2817%29%5E2
x%5E2%2Bx%5E2%2B14x%2B49=289
2x%5E2%2B14x-240=0
2%28x%5E2%2B7x-120%29=0 find two numbers when multiplied together get -120 and added together get +7. those are (-8 and 15)
x%2B15=0 and x-8=0
x=-15 and x=8 since a triangle cant have -length highlight%28x=8%29
Side A = highlight%288%29 Side B = highlight%2815%29