Question

If the sides of the frame that form a right angle are a = 15in. and b = 8 in., what measurement (the hypotenuse) should the frame maker read on the yardstick?

Answer 1

Answer:

17 in.

Step-by-step explanation:

We know that the two sides (other than the hypotenuse) are given as

a = 15 in

b = 8 in

Using Pythagorean Theorem, we can calculate the length of the hypotenuse as

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

$c^{2} = (15)^{2} + (8) ^{2}$

$c^{2} =289$

Taking square-root on both sides, we get

c = 17 in.

Hence, the frame-maker would read the measurement as 17 in on the yardstick.