Question

Find the unknown side length, x. Write your answer in simplest radical form.

Answer 1

Answer:

√41

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering the sides with lengths 48 and 52 units, we would use Pythagoras theorem to find the third side. Let that side be t

52² = 48² + t²

t² = 52² - 48²

= 2704 - 2304

= 400

t = √400

= 20

Considering the next triangle with sides t (20 units) and 12 units, again using the theorem

20² = 12² + y²

where y is the third side

400 = 144 + y²

y² = 400 - 144

= 256

y = √256

= 16 units

Considering the triangle with two sides given as 5 and 13 units, the third side (which is part of the 16 units calculated earlier)

13² = 5² + u²

where u is the 3rd side

169 = 25 + u²

u² = 169 - 25

u² = 144

u = √144

u = 12

The other part of the side of that triangle

= 16 - 12

= 4

Considering the smallest triangle whose sides are x, 5 and 4,

x² = 5² + 4²

= 25 + 16

= 41

x = √41