SOLUTION: If sailcloth costs $10 per square foot, what is the cost of a new mainsail? Before solving this problem let's review the Pythagorean Theorem. This theorem relates the lengt

Algebra ->  Expressions-with-variables -> SOLUTION: If sailcloth costs $10 per square foot, what is the cost of a new mainsail? Before solving this problem let's review the Pythagorean Theorem. This theorem relates the lengt      Log On


   



Question 580080: If sailcloth costs $10 per square foot, what is the cost of a new mainsail?
Before solving this problem let's review the
Pythagorean Theorem. This theorem relates
the lengths of the three sides of a right triangle.
A right triangle has a 90º angle. The side opposite
the 90º angle is called the hypotenuse and the
other sides are called legs.

The Pythagorean theorem states that for every right triangle,
the sum of the squares of the legs is equal to the square of the hypotenuse.

a2 + b2 = c2

Now solve the problem:


The mainsail on the sailboat shown below is a right triangle in which the
hypotenuse is called the leech. If sailcloth costs $10 per square foot,
what is the cost of a new mainsail?

Hint: To find the cost of the sail, you need to know the area of the sail. You must
first find the base (x) of the mainsail using the Pythagorean Theorem. Once
you have found the value of x then find the area of the sail by using the
formula for the area of a triangle: 1/2 base times height; A= ½bh .


x


Leech IS 13 ft


12 ft









tHIS IS A HUGE PART OF MY GRADE!! I NEED HELP.. i DO NOT EVEN KNOW HOW TO WRITE IT OUT.

Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the hypotenuse is 13 and one side is 12, the 3rd side is 5 feet.
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Area = b*h/2 = 5*12/2 = 30 sq ft
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$10*30 = $300
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