Using the pythagorean theorem, how do you solve for the missing side given a = 14 and b = 13?

1 Answer
David B.
Apr 12, 2016

#c=sqrt(a^2 + b^2) = sqrt(14^2 + 13^2) =sqrt(365) ~= 19.1 #

Explanation:

The Pythagorean Theorem applies to right angle triangles, where the sides #a# and #b# are those which intersect at right angle. The third side, the hypotenuse, is then #c#

![http://www.johncmccloskey.com/math-topics/the-pythagorean-theorem/](useruploads.socratic.org)

In our example we know that #a=14# and #b=13# so we can use the equation to solve for the unknown side #c#:

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

or

#c=sqrt(a^2 + b^2) = sqrt(14^2 + 13^2) =sqrt(365) ~= 19.1 #

Related questions
See all questions in Pythagorean Theorem and its Converse
Impact of this question
2985 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License