Question

find the length of the missing side for this right triangle. (estimate an irrational answer to two decimal places.)
right triangle with legs 3 and ?, hypotenuse 5
after you enter your answer press go.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\), where \(c\) is hypotenuse, \(a,b\) are legs. Here, \(c = 5\), \(a = 3\), \(b=\)?
So, \(b^2=c^2 - a^2\)

Step2: Substitute values

\(b^2 = 5^2 - 3^2 = 25 - 9 = 16\)? Wait, no, wait, hypotenuse is 5, one leg is 3, so the other leg \(b\) is \(\sqrt{5^2 - 3^2}=\sqrt{25 - 9}=\sqrt{16}\)? Wait, no, \(\sqrt{16}=4\). Wait, but maybe I mixed up? Wait, the right angle is between 3 and the missing side, so hypotenuse is 5. So \(3^2 + b^2 = 5^2\), so \(b^2 = 25 - 9 = 16\), so \(b = 4\). Oh, right, because 3-4-5 is a Pythagorean triple.

Answer:

4.00