Question

how do I solve for a​

Answer 1

Answer:

using the pythagoras theorem the answer is a=3

Step-by-step explanation:

basically in a right angled triangle a² + b² equals c². in this equation c is the number on the hypotenuse (the line opposite the right angle)

and 4 could be a or b it doesnt make a difference so I'll call it b.

because we have c² and b² we work backwards like this:

${5}^{2} - {4}^{2} = {a}^{2}$

${5}^{2} - {4}^{2} = 25 - 16 = 9$

because 9 is a², we must find the square root to find a

$\sqrt{9 } = 3$

so a equals 3