Question

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between the lengths of the sides of the triangle shown below?

Answer 1

y squared equals x squared minus z squared.

Solution:

The given triangle is a right angled triangle.

Hypotenuse = x, Base = y, Height = z

Using Pythagoras theorem, we can find the lengths of the sides of the right triangle.

Pythagoras theorem:

In right triangle, square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

$x^2=y^2+z^2$

Subtract $z^2$ from both sides of the equation.

$x^2-z^2=y^2$

Switch the sides

$y^2=x^2-z^2$

y squared equals x squared minus z squared.

Hence Option B is the correct answer.