Question

find the length of the missing side.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the triangle type

It's a right - triangle.

Step2: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the two legs be $a = 5$ cm and $b = 12$ cm. The Pythagorean theorem is $c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse. So $c^{2}=5^{2}+12^{2}=25 + 144=169$.

Step3: Solve for the hypotenuse

Take the square root of 169. $c=\sqrt{169}=13$ cm.

Answer:

13 cm