Question

Jack and Andrea want to create a right triangle together using values of x and y and the polynomial identity to generate Pythagorean triples. If Andrea picks a value of x = 2, and the hypotenuse of the resulting right triangle is 5, what natural number value of y did Jack pick? A. y = 1 B. y = 2 C. y = 3 D. y = 4

Answer 1

According to Pythagoras theorem, for a right angled triangle, if a is the hypotenuse and b and c the other remaining sides, then:

a² = b² + c²


Andrea picks a value of x = 2, let this be one of the sides, b = 2

The hypotenuse of the resulting right triangle is 5, so, a = 5

We need to find the value of c


5² = 2² + c²

c² =  5² - 2² 

    = 25 - 4

    = 21


c = √21

   = 4.58

None of the choices give the correct answer


Note:

In case Andrea picked 3, then y would be 4

Answer 2

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Pythagoras theorem, for a right angled triangle, if a is the hypotenuse and b and c the other remaining sides, then:

a² = b² + c²

Andrea picks a value of x = 2, let this be one of the sides, b = 2

The hypotenuse of the resulting right triangle is 5, so, a = 5

We need to find the value of c

5² = 2² + c²

c² = 5² - 2²

= 25 - 4

= 21

c = √21

= 4.58

None of the choices give the correct answer