A right triangle is shown below.
Calculate the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
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A right triangle is shown below.
Calculate the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
To find the lengths of the sides of the right triangle, we will apply the Pythagorean theorem, which states for a right triangle, where is the hypotenuse.
Given the side lengths are , , and , we assume is the hypotenuse because it is the largest value and confirm it by checking with the theorem.
Substitute into the Pythagorean theorem:
Let's expand each side and solve for :
Combine these into a single equation:
Simplify and combine like terms:
Rearrange to form a quadratic equation:
Factor the quadratic equation:
Solve for :
(Not valid as )
Therefore, substituting will provide the side lengths:
- Short side:
- Other side:
- Hypotenuse:
These side lengths , , and form a well-known Pythagorean triple. Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
Find the value of the parameter x.
\( (x-5)^2=0 \)
The hypotenuse is always the longest side in a right triangle. Since x > 1, compare x+2, x+9, and x+10. The largest expression x+10 must be the hypotenuse.
Check both solutions against the given constraint! Here we got x = 3 and x = -5, but since x > 1, only x = 3 is valid. Always verify solutions meet the problem conditions.
No, but recognizing common ones like 3-4-5 and 5-12-13 can help you check your work quickly. The algebra method always works regardless!
Taking square roots would give us messy expressions with radicals. Expanding the squares creates a clean quadratic equation that's much easier to solve.
Use the quadratic formula: . But most textbook problems are designed to factor cleanly!
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