Question

How do you find the missing side b given 5in 15in using the pythagorean theorem?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

The Pythagorean Theorem states:

`a^2 + b^2 = c^2`

Where:

`a` and `b` are sides of the triangle and `c` is the hypotenuse.

In this problem we will be solving for `b` after substituting for `a` and `c`. By definition the hypotenuse is always the largest value therefore we will substitute `15` for `c` and `5` for `a` giving:

`5^2 + b^2 = 15^2`

`25 + b^2 = 225`

`25 - color(red)(25) + b^2 = 225 - color(red)(25)`

`0 + b^2 = 200`

`b^2 = 200`

`sqrt(b^2) = sqrt(200)`

`b = sqrt(200)` in or `b = 14.14` in rounded to the nearest hundredth.