Question 243274
the hypotenuse of a right triangle is 24 feet long. the lenght of one leg is 14 feet more than the other what is its length
===========================
Equation:
one leg = x
other leg = x+14
---------------------
x^2 + (x+14)^2 = 24^2
2x^2 + 28x + 196 = 576
2x^2 + 28x - 380 = 0
x^2 + 14x - 190 = 0
x = [-14 +- sqrt(14^2 - 4*-190)]/2
x = [-14 +- sqrt(956)]/2
x = [-14 +- 30.92]/2
Positive solution:
x = 8.46 feet (one leg)
x + 14 = 22.46 feet (other leg)
================================
Cheers,
Stan H.