Question

What is the side length b in the triangle below

Answer 1

12^2 +b^2 = 20^2 because of the Pythagorean theorem
144 + b^2 =400
B^2 =256
B=16

Answer 2

Answer:

Option B : 16

Step-by-step explanation:

Refer the attached file

Given :

In ΔABC , AB = b , BC = 12  , AC= 20

To Find : value of b i.e. Length of AB

Solution:

Since we are given a right angles triangle so we can use Pythagoras theorem i.e.

$(Hypotenuse)^{2} =(Perpendicular)^{2} +(Base)^{2}$    ---(a)

Now in a given triangle AB is Perpendicular , BC is Base and AC is Hypotenuse.

So, putting values in (a)

$(AC)^{2} =(AB)^{2} +(BC)^{2}$

$(20)^{2} =(b)^{2} +(12)^{2}$

$400 =(AB)^{2} +144$

$400-144  =(b)^{2}$

$256 =(b)^{2}$

$\sqrt{256} =b$

$16=b$

Thus the value of b is 6

Hence Option B is correct.