SOLUTION: the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 15 centimeters long. one leg is 9 centimeters long. how long is the other leg?

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Question 392245: the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 15 centimeters long. one leg is 9 centimeters long. how long is the other leg?
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, ewatrrr:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 15 centimeters long. one leg is 9 centimeters long. how long is the other leg?
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Let the other leg be "x" cm
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Equations:
x^2 + 9^2 = 15^2
x^2 = 225-81
x^2 = 144
x = 12 cm
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Cheers,
Stan H.

Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

Let x represent the length of the other leg

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

    (9cm)^2 + x^2 = (15cm)^2

          x^2 = (15cm)^2 - (9cm)^2

          x^2 = 144cm^2

          x = ± 12    |tossing out negative solution for length

          x = 12cm, the length of the other leg