Question

find the length of the missing side.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the two legs of the right - triangle be $a = 20$ cm and $b = 48$ cm, and the hypotenuse be $c$. The Pythagorean theorem is $c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}$.

Step2: Calculate $a^{2}+b^{2}$

$a^{2}=20^{2}=400$, $b^{2}=48^{2}=2304$. Then $a^{2}+b^{2}=400 + 2304=2704$.

Step3: Find the value of $c$

$c=\sqrt{2704}=52$ cm.

Answer:

52 cm