Question

Find the length of the unknown side.
25 cm
15 cm

Answer 1

Answer:

b = 20 cm.

Step-by-step explanation:

Define and explain:

This is a right triangle, so the Pythagorean Theorem applies.

The Pythagorean Theorem states that the sum of the squared legs will equal the squared length of the hypotenuse.

The legs of a triangle are the sides that form the right angle.

The hypotenuse is the longest side; the hypotenuse is always diagonal from the small square indicating a right angle.

Solve:

$a^2+b^2=c^2$

$a,b-legs$

$c-hypotenuse$

$15^2+b^2=25^2$

$225+b^2=625$

$625-225=400$

$b^2=400$

$b=20$

Conclude:

Therefore, the length of the unknown side is 20 centimeters.