Question

The formula c = √a^2 + b^2 represents the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle with side lengths a and b. Solve the equation for b. Show your work.

Answer 1

Answer:

b = √(c^2 - a²)

Step-by-step explanation:

Start with the given c = √a^2 + b^2.  Squaring both sides, we get:

c² = a² + b².

We want to iosolate b² and then b.

So:  subtract a² from both sides, resulting in:

c² - a² = b²

Taking the square root of both sides, we get:

√b² = √(c² - a²)

and so:

b = √(c^2 - a²)