Question

If the legs of a right triangle are x-3 and 9, and its hypotenuse is x, find the length of its smallest side.

Answer 1

I set up ( x-3 ) ^2 + 9^2 = x^2

Answer 2

so this is a right triangle - do you know Pythagora's theorem ?

Answer 3

Yes

Answer 4

you need just use it and will get what you need

Answer 5

Yeh, but i dont know how set up everything

Answer 6

so what you have wrote above - this equation just you need to solve it for x

Answer 7

okay so x^2 -6x +9 + 81 = x^2
x^2 -6x + 90 = x^2
-6x = 90
so i get -15

Answer 8

But all my friends say positive 15 i dont know how though

Answer 9

there above you have wrote

(x-3)^2 +9^2 = x^2 yes ?

Answer 10

yes

Answer 11

but check it please that there is something wrong - after you eliminated the x^2 what will remain there ?

Answer 12

-6x and 90

Answer 13

yes but hence

-6x+90 = 0 so what will get the subtract from both sides 90 ?

Answer 14

oh -90

Answer 15

yes sure

Answer 16

resulting in 15 from there

Answer 17

so the smallest side is 9

Answer 18

yes exactly - do you see it now your friends was rights

Answer 19

oh ok yes, so the smallest side was already given

Answer 20

yes - this is ok. now ? do you understand it all sure ?

Answer 21

Yup, thanks

Answer 22

np

welcome

was my pleasure

anytime ---- good luck

bye