Question 142778
Well, we use pythagorean theorem, where we assigned "x" as one leg, the other "x+4", being 4 inches longer right? We go to the definition of the pyth theorem, the square of the hypotenuse equals to the sum of the square of each side. To show,
h^2 = x^2 + (x+4)^2  ------- eqn 1
20^2=x^2 + x^2+8x+16
2x^2 + 8x - 384 =0
x^2 +4x -192 =0
(x+16)(x-12)=0
x= -16, we can't use this being negative
x= 12in, this is the one to use, length of one side
x= 4+12 = 16in, the other side
In doubt? Go to the pyth theorem (eqn 1),
20^2 = 12^2 + (12+40^2
400= 144+ 256
400=400
Thank you,
Jojo