if i have a right triangle but only know the hypotenuse which is 11 how do i find x and y (the legs) ?

Question

jadeishere · Answer

11^2= x^2 + y^2
121 = x^2 + y^2

mathmale · Answer

Welcome to OpenStudy, Anny!

Key to understanding the solution to your math problem is knowing the Pythagorean Theorem.  IF and only if you have a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the SUM of the SQUARES of the other two sides (which we call the "legs":

Borrowing from Jade (who is here now), (hypotenuse)^2= x^2 + y^2.

All you can do here is to let the hyp = 11, obtaining Jade's 121 = x^2 + y^2.

For any x value you plug in, you can then calculate the corresponding y value.

anonymous · Answer

thank you both (: i understand that part, i dont understand what to do after i get 121 = x^2 + y^2 ? do i just leave it or what happens after?

anonymous · Answer

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