Home > Algebra > Pythagorean Theorem and its Converse

Using the Pythagorean theorem how would you find B if A =12 and c=17?

Answer 1

Depending on which side is the hypotenuse,

#b = sqrt145, or b = sqrt 433#

It is not clear from the question which side is the hypotenuse. The sides are usually given as either AB or # c# and not A or B which indicate points.

Let's consider both cases.

"If c is the hypotenuse"

#a^2 + b^2 = c^2 " "rArr b^2 = c^2 - a^2#

#b^2 = 17^2 - 12^2#

#b^2 = 145#

#b = sqrt145 = 12.04# ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If #c# is NOT the hypotenuse.

#b^2 = a^2 + c^2#

#b^2 = 12^2 + 17^2#

#b^2 = 433#

#b= sqrt 433 = 20.81#

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Jace Anderson

To find B using the Pythagorean theorem, we can use the formula: B = √(c^2 - A^2). Plugging in the given values, B = √(17^2 - 12^2). Simplifying this equation, B = √(289 - 144). Further simplifying, B = √145. Therefore, B is approximately equal to 12.04.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.