Question 87469
 This would be a Theorem of Pythagoras problem, with the hypotenuse of 51 ft. and one of the legs 45 ft. The length x represents the other leg of the right triangle.


By Theorem of Pythagoras, {{{a^2 + b^2 = c^2}}}, where a and b are the legs, and c must be the hypotenuse.  

{{{x^2 + 45^2 = 51^2}}}

{{{x^2 + 2025=2601}}}  


Subtract 2025 from each side:
{{{x^2 = 576}}}


Take the square root of each side:
{{{x= sqrt(576)}}} or {{{x=-sqrt(576)}}}

{{{x=24}}} or {{{x=-24}}}


The negative answer must be rejected since this is the side of a triangle, which cannot be negative.


Final answer x=24 ft.


If anyone needs additional help with Theorem of Pythagoras, see my Lesson Plan in algebra.com, or go to my own website by clicking on my tutor name "rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com.  Then look for MATH IN LIVING COLOR, in "Basic Algebra" or "Intermediate Algebra", in both of these look for Theorem of Pythagoras in Chapter 2.


R^2  Retired from SCC