Answer:
Option 2 - 3.2 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given : The lengths of two sides of a right triangle are 5 inches and 8 inches.
To find : What is the difference between the two possible lengths of the third side of the triangle?
Solution :
According to question, it is a right angle triangle
Applying Pythagoras theorem,
![H^2=P^2+B^2](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%5E2%3DP%5E2%2BB%5E2)
Where, H is the hypotenuse the longer side of the triangle
P is the perpendicular
B is the base
Assume that H=8 inches and B = 5 inches
Substitute the value in the formula,
![8^2=P^2+5^2](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=8%5E2%3DP%5E2%2B5%5E2)
![64=P^2+25](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=64%3DP%5E2%2B25)
![P^2=64-25](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=P%5E2%3D64-25)
![P^2=39](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=P%5E2%3D39)
![P=\sqrt{39}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=P%3D%5Csqrt%7B39%7D)
![P=6.24](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=P%3D6.24)
Assume that P=8 inches and B = 5 inches
Substitute the value in the formula,
![H^2=8^2+5^2](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%5E2%3D8%5E2%2B5%5E2)
![H^2=64+25](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%5E2%3D64%2B25)
![H^2=89](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%5E2%3D89)
![H=\sqrt{89}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%3D%5Csqrt%7B89%7D)
![H=9.43](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=H%3D9.43)
Therefore, The possible length of the third side of the triangle is
![L=H-P](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=L%3DH-P)
![L=9.43-6.24](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=L%3D9.43-6.24)
![L=3.19](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=L%3D3.19)
Therefore, The difference between the two possible lengths of the third side of the triangle is 3.2 inches.
So, Option 2 is correct.