Question

The information given represents lengths of sides of a right triangle with c the hypotenuse. Find the correct missing length to the nearest hundredth. A calculator may be helpful.



a = ?, b = 13, c = 21




A.


15.83


B.


15.87


C.


16.19


D.


16.49

Answer 1

You could use the Pythagorean Theorem.

Answer 2

ive tried and i dont get it at all

Answer 3

They gave you b and c.
The pythagorean theorem is \[a^2+b^2=c^2\]
Given that, can you put the numbers in and solve for it?

Answer 4

would the answer be D?

Answer 5

\[a^2+13^2=21^2\]
\[a^2+169=441\]
\[a^2=441-169\]
\[a^2=272\]
\[\sqrt{a^2}=\sqrt{272}\]
\[a=16.4924225025\]
Which is rounded to 16.49 so yes, D.

Answer 6

thank you. i understand it now.