Question

A triangle has two sides of length 15 cm and 17 cm. Select all the values of its third side that would make it a right triangle

Answer 1

Answer:

$\sqrt{514} cm$, 8cm, are both options

Step-by-step explanation:

For a right triangle one can find the length of the longest side by using the Pythagorean theorem. So there are two options I can think of that if the triangle is a right triangle will work. First remember what the Pythagorean theorem is : side a^2+side b^2=hypotenuse^2

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle. So if the sides that are 15 and 17 cm are not the longest sides then the formula would be:

$15^{2} +17^2=c^2\\15^2+17^2=\sqrt{514}cm$

But if 17cm is the longest side then:

$a^2+15^2=17^2\\8^2+15^2=17^2\\a=8cm$

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Answer:

the answer is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a right triangle one can find the length of the longest side by using the Pythagorean theorem. So there are two options I can think of that if the triangle is a right triangle will work. First remember what the Pythagorean theorem is : side a^2+side b^2=hypotenuse^2

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle. So if the sides that are 15 and 17 cm are not the longest sides.