Question

Given a right triangle `triangle ABC` with `C=90^circ`, if a=4, b=3, how do you find c?

Answer 1

`c=5`

See the process in the explanation.

Explanation:

Use the Pythagorean theorem. Side `c` is usually the hypotenuse, and the other two sides are usually designated `a` and `b`. The equation for the Pythagorean theorem is:

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

Substitute `4` for `a` and `3` for `b`.

`c^2=4^2+3^2`

Square `4` and `3` then add them together.

`c^2=16+9`

`c^2=25`

Find the square root of both sides.

`sqrt(c^2)=sqrt25`

`c=5`