Question

what equation would you use to solve for x? a. x = 15.5 + 12.1 b. x² + 15.5² = 12.1² c. 15.5² - 12.1² = x² d. 15.5² + 12.1² = x²

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the right - angled triangle

The given figure has a right - angled triangle with sides 12.1 and 15.5 and hypotenuse \(x\).

Step2: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right - angled triangle with legs \(a\) and \(b\) and hypotenuse \(c\), the Pythagorean theorem is \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\). Here \(a = 12.1\), \(b = 15.5\) and \(c=x\), so the equation is \(15.5^{2}+12.1^{2}=x^{2}\).

Answer:

d. \(15.5^{2}+12.1^{2}=x^{2}\)