Question

a = ?, b = 11, c = 17
A.) 12.96
B.) 12.75
C.) 13.20
D.) 13.12

Answer 1

a^2 + b^2 = c^2
a^2 + 11^2 = 17^2
a^2 + 121 = 289
a^2 = 289 - 121
a^2 = 168
sq rt a^2 = sq rt 168
a = 12.96

just remember, if you get something like a^2 = 168...by taking the sq rt of both sides, it cancels out the ^2...leaving you with just a = sq rt 168

Answer 2

and always make the hypotenuse (c) the biggest number