find the altitude on hypotenuse if a=6cm and b=8cm?

Answer 1

I'm guessing that you mean the hypotenuse is 8 cm.

a^2 + c^2 = b^2

6^2 + c^2 = 8^2

36 + c^2 = 64

c^2 = 64 - 36

c^2 = 28

c = 5.2915

If you need to find the hypotnuse -- then

6^2 + 8^2 = c^2

36 + 64 = c^2

100 = c^2

10 = c

The second solution is probably the one you need.

Answer 2

I think I understand now. You are looking for the LENGTH of the hypotenuse.

Answer 3

or, if D is the foot of the altitude on the hypotenuse AB, then by similar triangles

CD/CA = CB/AB
CD/6 = 8/10
CD = 48/10 = 4.8