Simple Radical Question: length of side opp angle is 2rad10

[mathmarauder]

Im working on a triangle.
The length of side opposite the angle is 2 radical 10
Since you use the a^2 + b^2 = c^2
what would the length of 2 radical 10 be?
My guess was (since you can sqaure it) radical 10 squared equals 10.
10 times 2 = 20. My question is, does it equal twenty, if not what does it equal?

(my goal is to get a number that is easier to work with then 2 radical 10)

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Re: Simple Radical Question

Im working on a triangle.
The length of side opposite the angle is 2 radical 10
Since you use the a^2 + b^2 = c^2
what would the length of 2 radical 10 be?
My guess was (since you can sqaure it) radical 10 squared equals 10.
10 times 2 = 20. My question is, does it equal twenty, if not what does it equal?

(my goal is to get a number that is easier to work with then 2 radical 10)

\(\displaystyle [2\sqrt{10}]^2 \, = \, 2^2\cdot 10 \, = \, 40\)

 

[mathmarauder]

Re: Simple Radical Question

Great. Thank you very much

 

[fasteddie65]

Re: Simple Radical Question

If the length of the side is 2 rad 10, then use that number. Don't square it unless you are going to use the Pythagorean Theorem.