Question

If c is the measure of the hypotenuse of a right triangle, how do you find each missing measure given a=8, b=x, c=x+2?

Answer 1

Using Pythagoras theorem

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

${8}^{2} + {x}^{2} = {(x + 2)}^{2}$

$64 + {x}^{2} = {x}^{2} + 4 + 4x$

$4x = 60$

$x = 15$

Therefore,

$a = 8$

$b = x = 15$

$c = x + 2 = 15 + 2 = 17$