Question

Use the Pythagorean theorem to find b. b, 13, 12 b =

Answer 1

$\bf \textit{using the pythagorean theorem} \\\\ c^2=a^2+b^2\implies \sqrt{c^2-a^2}=b \qquad \begin{cases} c=\stackrel{hypotenuse}{13}\\ a=\stackrel{adjacent}{12}\\ b=opposite\\ \end{cases} \\\\\\ \sqrt{13^2-12^2}=b\implies \sqrt{25}=b\implies 5=b$

Answer 2

Answer:

5

Step-by-step explanation:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

13 is the hypotenuse because it is the longest side.

12^2 + b^2 = 13^2

144 + b^2 = 169

subtract the 144 from both sides to isolate the variable you are solving for

b^2 = 25

Square root both sides to solve

b = 5