Question 1005336
.
<pre>
Let x = the length of the hypotenuse, in feet.

Then the legs are (x-2) ft and (x-4) ft,

and you have a quadratic equation

{{{x-2)^2}}} + {{{(x-4)^2}}} = {{{x^2}}}.

Simplify, and you will get

{{{x^2 - 12x + 20}}} = {{{0}}}.

There are two roots, 10 and 2.

The smaller doesn't fit. The greater does work.

<U>Answer</U>. 10 ft.
</pre>