SOLUTION: a right triangle has a hypotenuse with a length of 8 inches and a leg with a length of 5 inches. What is the length of the other leg?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: a right triangle has a hypotenuse with a length of 8 inches and a leg with a length of 5 inches. What is the length of the other leg?      Log On

Hi,

Let x represent the length of the other leg

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

  x^2 + 5^2 = 8^2

  x^2 = 39

x = ±  Negative solution can be tossed out

x =