Question

What is side b?

Please explain how you work it out as well

Answer 1

Answer:

b = $\sqrt{145}$

Step-by-step explanation:

Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle

The square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides , that is

b² + 12² = 17²

b² + 144 = 289 ( subtract 144 from both sides )

b² = 145 ( take square root of both sides )

b = $\sqrt{145}$ ≈ 12.04 (to 2 dec. places )

Answer 2

Answer:

b = $\sqrt{145}$  or  b = 12.041594...

Step-by-step explanation:

17*17 - 12*12 = $b^{2}$    ( $a^{2}$ + $b^{2}$ = $c^{2}$ )  ( $c^{2}$ - $a^{2}$ = $b^{2}$ )  

289 - 144 = $b^{2}$

145 = $b^{2}$

b = $\sqrt{145}$    or    b = 12.041594...