Question

Find the length of side a.

Answer 1

Answer: C. 5

Step-by-step explanation:

We'll use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing side.

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

a^2 + 12^2 = 13^2

a^2 +  144 = 169

a^2 = 25

(simplify)

$a^2 = \sqrt{25}$

a = 5

Answer 2

Answer:

C. 5

Step-by-step explanation:

Keeping in mind that this is a right triangle, to find the length of side a, we can use the Pythagorean Theorem.

Remember, the Pythagorean Theorem is:

a² + b² = c²

where a and b are the legs of the right triangle and c is the hypotenuse.

As we can see in the image, a is one of the two legs of the right triangle. 13 is the hypotenuse and 12 is another leg. Plugging into the Pythagorean Theorem, we get:

a² + 12² = 13²

Now we solve for a.

a² + 144 = 169

Subtract 144 from both sides.

a² = 169 - 144

a² = 25

Take the square root of both sides.

a = √25

a = 5

So the length of side a would be 5.

The answer would be C. 5.

I hope you find my answer and explanation to be helpful. Happy studying.