If a right triangle has sides of length 12 and 16, how long is the hypothenuse? (1 point)

Answer 1

To find the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states:

\[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \]

where \(c\) is the length of the hypotenuse, and \(a\) and \(b\) are the lengths of the two other sides.

In this case, the lengths of the sides are \(a = 12\) and \(b = 16\).

Calculating \(a^2\) and \(b^2\):

\[ a^2 = 12^2 = 144 \] \[ b^2 = 16^2 = 256 \]

Now, add these two values together:

\[ c^2 = 144 + 256 = 400 \]

Next, take the square root of both sides to find \(c\):

\[ c = \sqrt{400} = 20 \]

Therefore, the length of the hypotenuse is \(20\).