Solve for a if a^2+b^2+c^2 if b=4 & c=5?

Question

#a^2 + b^2 = c^2# solve for a if b=4 & c=5

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Answer 1 · 2018-02-08T14:59:11

See a solution process below:

Substituting #4# for #b# and #5# for #c# gives:

#a^2 + 4^2 = 5^2#

#a^2 + 16 = 25#

#a^2 + 16 - color(red)(16) = 25 - color(red)(16)#

#a^2 + 0 = 9#

#a^2 = 9#

#sqrt(a^2) = +-sqrt(9)#

#a = +-3#

Or

#a = {-3, 3}#