Question

the hypotenuse of a right triangle measures 16 inches, and the height measures 11 inches. what is the length of the base? 11.6 inches 11 inches 7.3 inches 5 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the base be $b$, height $h = 11$ inches and hypotenuse $c=16$ inches. The Pythagorean theorem is $c^{2}=b^{2}+h^{2}$, so $b^{2}=c^{2}-h^{2}$.

Step2: Substitute values

$b^{2}=16^{2}-11^{2}=256 - 121=135$.

Step3: Find the value of $b$

$b=\sqrt{135}\approx 11.6$ inches.

Answer:

11.6 inches