Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem for a right - triangle is $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $a$ and $b$ are the legs of the right - triangle and $c$ is the hypotenuse. Here $a = 5$ cm and $b=12$ cm. So, $c^{2}=5^{2}+12^{2}$.

Step2: Calculate the squares

$5^{2}=25$ and $12^{2}=144$. Then $c^{2}=25 + 144$.

Step3: Add the values

$c^{2}=169$.

Step4: Find the square - root

$c=\sqrt{169}$. Since $13\times13 = 169$, $c = 13$ cm.

Answer:

13