Answer:
x=15
Step-by-step explanation:
Hi there!
We're given a right triangle with the measures of the 2 legs (sides that make up the right angle). We're also given the measure of the hypotenuse (the side opposite to the right angle) as x
We need to find x
The Pythagorean Theorem states that if a and b are the legs and c is the hypotenuse, then a²+b²=c²
Let's label the values of a, b, and c to avoid any confusion first
a=12
b=9
c=x
now substitute into the theorem
12²+9²=x²
raise everything to the second power
144+81=x²
add 144 and 81 together
225=x²
take the square root of 225
15=x (note: -15=x is technically also an answer, but since lengths cannot be negative, it's an extraneous solution in this case)
Therefore, the side length of x is 15
Hope this helps! :)
