The legs of a right triangle measure #2sqrt3# and #5#. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

1 Answer
May 7, 2016

#sqrt37#

Explanation:

Pythagoras theorem gives us the equation:

#a^2 + b^2 = c^2# where #c# is the hypotenuse and #a,b# are the two legs.

Substitute the value of the two legs in.

#(2sqrt3)^2 + 5^2 = c^2#

#12 + 25 = c^2#

#c^2 = 37#

#c=sqrt37#

Normally, when you take the square root of a square the answer should be #+-#. However, a length can't be a negative, so #sqrt37# is the only solution.