Question

If the length of the shorter leg of a right triangle is 5 cm and the length of the hypotenuse is 13 m, find the length of the longer leg.
A.) 5 cm
B.) 12 cm
C.) 13 cm
D.) v102 cm

Answer 1

As altavistard states: B). 12 cm is the correct answer.

Answer 2

Answer:

2 cm (Answer B)

Step-by-step explanation:

This is a right triangle, and therefore the Pythagorean Theorem applies:

(shorter leg)² + (longer leg)² = (hypotenuse)²

In this case, (longer leg)² = (hypotenuse)² - (shorter leg)², or

(longer leg)² = (13 cm)² - (5 cm)², or:

(longer leg)² = 169 cm² - (25 cm²) = 144 cm²

The length of the longer leg is the square root of 144 cm², or 12 cm (Answer B)