Question

In a 30-60-90 triangle, the hypotenuse is 12. What is the length of the longer leg?(1 point)
Responses

63–√
6 square root of 3

6
6

123–√
12 square root of 3

12

1 answer

In a 30-60-90 triangle, the side lengths are in the ratio of \(1:\sqrt{3}:2\). Specifically:

  • The shorter leg (opposite the 30-degree angle) is \(x\).
  • The longer leg (opposite the 60-degree angle) is \(x\sqrt{3}\).
  • The hypotenuse (opposite the right angle) is \(2x\).

Given that the hypotenuse is 12, we can set up the equation:

\[ 2x = 12 \]

Solving for \(x\):

\[ x = \frac{12}{2} = 6 \]

Now, the length of the longer leg is:

\[ x\sqrt{3} = 6\sqrt{3} \]

So, the length of the longer leg is \(6\sqrt{3}\).

Among the options provided, the correct response is \(6\sqrt{3}\).