To find the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $a$ and $b$ are the lengths of the legs, and $c$ is the length of the hypotenuse.
In this case, both legs are 12 cm long. Substituting these lengths into the equation, we have $12^2 + 12^2 = c^2$.
Simplifying the equation, we find $144 + 144 = c^2$.
Adding the numbers on the left side, we get $288 = c^2$.
To solve for $c$, we can take the square root of both sides: $\sqrt{288} = \sqrt{c^2}$.
Since we're asked to round the answer to the nearest hundredth, we have $c \approx \sqrt{288} \approx 16.97$.
Therefore, the length of the hypotenuse is approximately 16.97 cm.
If a right triangle has legs that are both 12 cm long, how long is the hypotenuse? Round the answer to the nearest hundredth.
2 answers
Sylvia is replacing a piece of siding on her home. To make the 12 ft. ladder stable, the bottom of the ladder needs 6 ft. from the base of her house. Applying the Pythagorean Theorem and rounding to the nearest tenth, how high will the ladder reach so that Sylvia can replace the siding?
1 answer