Question

the hypotenuse of a 45°-45°-90° triangle measures 18 cm.
what is the length of one leg of the triangle?
9 cm
9√2 cm
18 cm
18√2 cm

Explanation:

Step1: Recall 45-45-90 triangle ratio

In a 45°-45°-90° triangle, hypotenuse $= \text{leg} \times \sqrt{2}$. Let leg length be $x$.

Step2: Set up equation for hypotenuse

$18 = x\sqrt{2}$

Step3: Solve for $x$

$x = \frac{18}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{18\sqrt{2}}{2} = 9\sqrt{2}$

Answer:

B. $9\sqrt{2}$ cm