SOLUTION: the sides of a triangle have lengths of x, x+5, and 25. if the longest side is 25, which of the following values of x would make the right triangle?

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: the sides of a triangle have lengths of x, x+5, and 25. if the longest side is 25, which of the following values of x would make the right triangle?      Log On


   

Question 622706: the sides of a triangle have lengths of x, x+5, and 25. if the longest side is 25, which of the following values of x would make the right triangle?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi,

the sides of a triangle have lengths of x, x+5, and 25. 

if the longest side is 25, which of the following values of x would make the right triangle?

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem:

 x^2 + (x+5)^2 = 25^2

 x^2 + x^2 + 10x + 25 = 625

    2x^2 + 10x - 600 = 0

     x^2 + 5x - 300 = 0

 factoring

   (x+ 20)(x-15) = 0

  x = 15  (throwing out negative soution for length)