SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5inches long. The longer leg is 1inch longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5inches long. The longer leg is 1inch longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.       Log On


   

Question 907475: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is
5inches
long. The longer leg is
1inch
longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.
Answer by lwsshak3(11628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5 inches long. The longer leg is 1 inch
longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.
***
let x=length of shorter leg
x+1=length of longer leg
using pythagorean theorem:
x^2+(x+1)^2=5^2
x^2+x^2+2x+1=25
2x^2+2x-24=0
x^2+x-12=0
(x+4)(x-3)=0
x=-4 (reject)
or
x=3
x+1=4
length of shorter leg=3
length of longer leg=4
note: This is a 3-4-5 right triangle