How do you find the missing side b given 5in 15in using the pythagorean theorem?

1 Answer
smendyka
Feb 7, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

The Pythagorean Theorem states:

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

Where:

#a# and #b# are sides of the triangle and #c# is the hypotenuse.

In this problem we will be solving for #b# after substituting for #a# and #c#. By definition the hypotenuse is always the largest value therefore we will substitute #15# for #c# and #5# for #a# giving:

#5^2 + b^2 = 15^2#

#25 + b^2 = 225#

#25 - color(red)(25) + b^2 = 225 - color(red)(25)#

#0 + b^2 = 200#

#b^2 = 200#

#sqrt(b^2) = sqrt(200)#

#b = sqrt(200)# in or #b = 14.14# in rounded to the nearest hundredth.

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