Given that (20,x,29) ( 20 , 𝑥 , 29 ) is a Pythagorean triple and x<29 𝑥 < 29 , what is the value of x?(1 point) x= 𝑥 =

1 answer

A Pythagorean triple consists of three positive integers \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) such that \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\). In your case, we have the triple \((20, x, 29)\), where \(c = 29\) (the largest number).

We can set up the equation:

\[ 20^2 + x^2 = 29^2 \]

Calculating \(20^2\) and \(29^2\):

\[ 400 + x^2 = 841 \]

Now, we can isolate \(x^2\):

\[ x^2 = 841 - 400 \] \[ x^2 = 441 \]

Taking the square root of both sides:

\[ x = \sqrt{441} \] \[ x = 21 \]

Since \(x < 29\) is satisfied, the value of \(x\) is:

\[ \boxed{21} \]