Question

Find the length of the missing side...I tried to do the same thing I did on a previous problem, which I got right..But it isn't working out? Help?

Answer 1

@ganeshie8

Answer 2

ok so do you know what the equation for the pythagorean theorem is?

Answer 3

Since this is a right triangle, (90 degree angle) you can use pythagorean theorem to figure out the length of the hypotenuse

Answer 4

you've got the measurements of the two legs, \(a=5\) and \(b=14\)

Answer 5

That's what I was trying to do. I used the theorem before, on a figure that wasn't 90 degrees but it worked out fine..I tried the same thing but it isn't working AND IDK why.

Answer 6

Pythagorean theorem: \(c^2 = a^2 +b^2\)

Answer 7

so wouldn't it be 5^2 + c^2 = 14^2? Or would it be 5^2 + 14^2 = c^2?

Answer 8

Just plug in your values of a and b first. then to solve just for c, you take the square root of the function. \[c=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}\]

Answer 9

the second one, 14^2+5^2=c^2

Answer 10

So..The answer would be 14.9?

Answer 11

I think I see where I went wrong with this problem..I didn't just add a & b, I did what I did last time and I tried to subtract them on each side and I think that's why it wasn't working.

Answer 12

Correct 14.9 is your answer

Answer 13

The only time you subtract them is when you're given opposite sides of the right triangle.

Answer 14

Say you're given the hypotenuse and a base leg, \(a\), and you're told to find \(b\). Then \[c^2 = a^2+b^2\]\[b^2 = c^2-a^2\]\[b= \sqrt{c^2-a^2}\]

Answer 15

I just did this problem..I got the answer 53.2. Is that correct?

Answer 16

No.

Answer 17

look at the post i just made about subtraction and apply it to your problem.

Answer 18

Were you able to find your mistake?

Answer 19

Alright, I redid it..Is it 19.4?

Answer 20

gOOD JOB :)

Answer 21

Aweee, thanks :D