Question

The hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is 5 cm and the other two sides differ by 1 cm. Find
the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
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Answer 1

Answer:

As others have already said a 3, 4, 5 triangle is the solution.

To solve the problem as stated:

1. Length of one side is x cm.

2. Length of other side is (x+1) cm

3. Hypotenuse is given as 5 cm

In a right triangle: c^2=a^2+b^2

Substituting our values for a, b and c: 5^2=x^2+(x=1)^2

or simplifying the above equation: x^2+x-12=0

Solving this (quadratic) equation you get x=6/2 or -8/2

so side a=3 and side b=4

Explanation: