What is the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle if the two other sides are of lengths 8 and 1?

1 Answer
Apr 14, 2016

#sqrt(65)#

Explanation:

In the picture below, the Pythagorean Theorem tells us that:

#a^2+b^2=c^2#

http://www.algebra-class.com/pythagorean-theorem.html

If we apply this theorem to the given question, then:

#a=8#

#b=1#

#c=?#

Using the Pythagorean Theorem, start by rearranging the equation in terms of #c#. Then substitute your known values into the equation.

#a^2+b^2=c^2#

#c=sqrt(a^2+b^2)#

#c=sqrt(8^2+1^2)#

Solve.

#c=sqrt(64+1)#

#color(green)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)c=sqrt(65)color(white)(a/a)|)))#

#:.#, the length of the hypotenuse is #sqrt(65)#.