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.