Question

If a right triangle has a hypotenuse of length 100 units and one leg of length 60 units, what is the length of the other leg?

Answer 1

For this, we will be using the pythagorean theorem, which is $leg^2+leg^2=hypotenuse^2$ . Since we have the hypotenuse and one of the legs, we can solve for the other leg. Our equation will look like this: $x^2+60^2=100^2$

Firstly, solve the exponents: $x^2+3600=10000$

Next, subtract 3600 on both sides: $x^2=6400$

Next, square root both sides, and your answer will be x = 80 units

Answer 2

The Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

a^2 = c^2 - b^2 where a and b = legs and c = hypotenuse

a^2 = 100^2 - 60^2

a^2 =10000 - 3600

a^2 = 6400

a= √6400

a = 80

Answer

The length of the other leg = 80 units