Find hypotenuse, given leg lengths of 3 ft and 4 ft

[dajajones]

Can you help me figure out a right triangle with 1 angle measuring 90 degrees.

In a right triangle, the sides are related by pythagoream, c^=a^ + b^ where c is the hypotenuse. Find the hypotenuse when the other two sides' measurements are 3 feet and 4 feet

 

[jonboy]

So you have this:

You know Pythagorean Theorem:\(\displaystyle \L \;a^2\,+\,b^2\,=\,c^2\)

\(\displaystyle \L c\,=\, hypotenuse\)

\(\displaystyle \L a\,&\,b\,=\,legs\;(other\,sides)\)

.....Thus:\(\displaystyle \L \;(3)^2\,+\,(4)^2\,=\,c^2\)

Give it a go.

 

[dajajones]

25=c^

(I mean "25 equals c-squared. How do you show where it is squared on the computer?)

 

[jonboy]

Just put c^2 = 25

Now square root both sides (which cancels out the square roots) to find c.

 

[dajajones]

c=5

 

[jonboy]

c=5

Yes, good job!