SOLUTION: the measure of the sides of a right triangle are x+9, x+2 and x+10. Find the value of x. I know that we have to use the pathagorean theorm but how do you know the hypotenuse? -Th

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: the measure of the sides of a right triangle are x+9, x+2 and x+10. Find the value of x. I know that we have to use the pathagorean theorm but how do you know the hypotenuse? -Th      Log On


   

Question 591295: the measure of the sides of a right triangle are x+9, x+2 and x+10. Find the value of x.
I know that we have to use the pathagorean theorm but how do you know the hypotenuse?
-Thank You
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the hypotenuse is the biggest

(x + 9)^2 + (x + 2)^2 = (x + 10)^2

x^2 + 18x + 81 + x^2 + 4x + 4 = x^2 + 20x + 100

x^2 + 2x - 15 = 0


remember, one of the solutions is extraneous (doesn't make sense)