Question 294600
A right triangle is composed of two sides called legs and a third side called the hypotenuse. The hypotenuse is always the longest side in a right triangle.
Using the Pythagorean theorem for right triangles: {{{c^2 = a^2+b^2}}} where c = the length of the hypoenuse, and a & b are the lenghts of the two legs, you can find the length of the hypotenuse if you are given the lengths of the two legs.
{{{c^2 = a^2+b^2}}} Substitute a = 12 and b = 16.
{{{c^2 = 12^2+16^2}}}
{{{c^2 = 144+256}}}
{{{c^2 = 400}}} Take the square root of both sides.
{{{highlight(c = 20)}}}ft.