Question

Rearrange the formula a^2 + b^2 = c^2 for a.

Answer 1

We  were given

$a^2 +b^2 = c^2$

Adding $b^2$ to both sides of the equation gives,

$a^2=c^2-b^2$

The Right  Hand Side  of the equation is a difference of two squares. So we can factor it as follows:

$a^2= (c+b)(c-b)$

Taking the square root of both sides we have,

$a=\sqrt((c+b)(c-b))$

Answer 2

First, subtract the term b^2 from the both sides of the equation to isolate a^2. Then, take the square root of both sides of the equation so "a" is completely isolated. And voila! You should have the simplified version of this formula.