SOLUTION: Please help me with the following problem. A right triangle is a triangle with one angle measuring 90°. In a right triangle, the lengths of the sides are related by the Pythagorea

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: Please help me with the following problem. A right triangle is a triangle with one angle measuring 90°. In a right triangle, the lengths of the sides are related by the Pythagorea      Log On


   

Question 82536: Please help me with the following problem.
A right triangle is a triangle with one angle measuring 90°. In a right triangle, the lengths of the sides are related by the Pythagorean Theorem, c²= a²+ b² where c is the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the 90° angle). Find the length of the hypotenuse when the other two sides’ measurements are 3 feet and 4 feet.
thank you for your assistance.
Answer by 303795(602) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This is a straight application of the formula which you have given. The hypotenuse (represented by c) is the required side. The other two sides given are the a and b sides. It doesn't matter which you call a and which you call b.
c%5E2=a%5E2%2Bb%5E2
c%5E2=3%5E2%2B4%5E2
c%5E2=9%2B16
c%5E2=25
Find the square root of each side
c=sqrt%2825%29
c = 5 feet