To determine whether the forces are pulling at right angles to each other, we will calculate the hypotenuse \( c \) using the Pythagorean theorem, which states:
\[ c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \]
where \( a \) and \( b \) are the legs of the right triangle.
Plugging in the given values \( a = 3.4 \) and \( b = 2.6 \):
-
Calculate \( a^2 \) and \( b^2 \): \[ a^2 = 3.4^2 = 11.56 \] \[ b^2 = 2.6^2 = 6.76 \]
-
Add \( a^2 \) and \( b^2 \): \[ a^2 + b^2 = 11.56 + 6.76 = 18.32 \]
-
Now, take the square root to find \( c \): \[ c = \sqrt{18.32} \approx 4.28 \]
Rounding \( c \) to the nearest tenth gives \( 4.3 \).
Thus, the hypotenuse \( c \) is 4.3.