A) The length of the longer leg is x-1
b) Based on the area, the other leg is 2*30/(x -1). Based on the Pythagorean theorem, the other leg is √(x^2 -(x -1)^2).
c) Equating the two expressions for the shorter leg, we have
.. 60/(x -1) = √(2x -1)
.. 3600/(x -1)^2 = (2x -1)
.. (2x -1)(x^2 -2x +1) = 3600
.. 2x^3 -5x^2 +4x -3601 = 0
d) There is one positive real root, at x=13. A graphical solution works well.
The three sides of the triangle are 5 in, 12 in, 13 in.
_____
5-12-13 is a well-known Pythagorean triple. It is the next smallest one after 3-4-5.
b) Based on the area, the other leg is 2*30/(x -1). Based on the Pythagorean theorem, the other leg is √(x^2 -(x -1)^2).
c) Equating the two expressions for the shorter leg, we have
.. 60/(x -1) = √(2x -1)
.. 3600/(x -1)^2 = (2x -1)
.. (2x -1)(x^2 -2x +1) = 3600
.. 2x^3 -5x^2 +4x -3601 = 0
d) There is one positive real root, at x=13. A graphical solution works well.
The three sides of the triangle are 5 in, 12 in, 13 in.
_____
5-12-13 is a well-known Pythagorean triple. It is the next smallest one after 3-4-5.
