Question

In a right triangle, the side c opposite the right angle is called the hypotenuse, and the other two sides a and b are called legs.
http://media.education2020.com/evresources/4072-03-02-02-00_files/i0260000.jpg

The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triangle, the lengths of the three sides are related by the equation . http://media.education2020.com/evresources/4072-03-02-02-00_files/i0260001.jpg Use the Pythagorean theorem to answer the following question.

Determine the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle with legs 5 inches and 12 inches.
a.
Approximately 13.38 inches
b.
13 inches
c.
169 inches
d.
17 inches

Answer 1

C is your hypotenuse and a/b are the legs

A = 5
B = 12

OR
 A = 12
B = 5

Either work. I'll stick with the first one.

c^2 = 12^2 + 5^2

c^2 = 144 + 25

c^2 = 169

c = sqrt 169

c = 13

Ans: 13 inches (dont forget your units!)