SOLUTION: What is the formula for finding a missing side length of a right triangle? I have no idea how to solve this!!! Samantha, Thanks!!!

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Question 807705: What is the
formula for finding
a missing side
length of a right
triangle?
I have no idea how to solve this!!!
Samantha, Thanks!!!

Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the 3-4-5 right triangle as an example
The longest side is the hypotenuse
According to the Pythagorean theorem,
+3%5E2+%2B+4%5E2+=+5%5E2+
+9+%2B+16+=+25+
+25+=+25+
-------------
Suppose you didn't know what one of the
smaller sides was. You could say
+3%5E2+%2B+x%5E2+=+5%5E2+
+9+%2B+x%5E2+=+25+
+x%5E2+=+16+
+x+=+4+
Hope this helps