Answer:
82 inches
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between consecutive even integers is 2, thus
let the legs be n and n + 2
Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle
The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides, that is
n² + (n + 2)² = 58² ← expand and simplify left side
n² + n² + 4n + 4 = 3364 ( subtract 3364 from both sides )
2n² + 4n - 3360 = 0 ( divide all terms by 2 )
n² + 2n - 1680 = 0 ← in standard form
(n + 42)(n - 40) = 0 ← in factored form
Equate each factor to zero and solve for n
n + 42 = 0 ⇒ n = - 42
n - 40 = 0 ⇒ n = 40
But n > 0 ⇒ n = 40
and n + 2 = 40 + 2 = 42
Thus sum of legs = 40 + 42 = 82 inches
