Question

In a right triangle I need to find the length of the missing side.

If..
a = ?
b = 1
c = sqrt(5)

I would know what to do if the square root wasn't there or if it were a perfect square but it's not, please help...

(P.S. if I need to I have to keep it in radical form)

Answer 1

a=2
a^2=c^2-b^2

a^2=(√5)^2 - 1^2
a^2= 5 -1
√a^2 = √4
a=2

Answer 2

Thank you so much, I understand how to get rid of my square root now

Answer 3

Good, you're welcome.