Question

what is the length of the hypotenuse? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth. c = feet

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right - triangle with legs \(a = 12\) and \(b = 16\), the Pythagorean theorem is \(c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}\), where \(c\) is the hypotenuse. So \(c^{2}=12^{2}+16^{2}\).

Step2: Calculate \(a^{2}\) and \(b^{2}\)

\(12^{2}=144\) and \(16^{2}=256\). Then \(c^{2}=144 + 256\).

Step3: Find \(c^{2}\)

\(c^{2}=144+256 = 400\).

Step4: Solve for \(c\)

Take the square - root of both sides. \(c=\sqrt{400}=20\).

Answer:

20