Using the pythagorean theorem, find the length of a leg of a right triangle if the other leg is 8 feet long and the hypotenuse is 10 feet long. a. 12.81 b. 36 c. 6 d. 4√ 41

The Pythagorean Theorem tells us that  where c is the hypotenuse and a and b are the other two sides. To solve for one of the shorter sides we need to rearrange:



We can then substitute known values, and solve:

The length of the unknown leg of a triangle is 6 feet long

Further Explanation:Right triangle A right triangle is a triangle with one of its angles being 90 degrees or right angle.The triangle has two shorter sides making the right angle and the hypotenuse which is the longest side.Scalene triangle It is a triangle that with sides and angles that are not equal. Area of a scalene triangle depends on the features of the triangle given.Pythagoras Rule According to Pythagoras rule, in a right angled triangle if the squares of the shorter sides are added then they are equivalent to the square of the hypotenuse.That is; , where a and b are the shorter sides while c is the hypotenuse.

In this case;

We are given;

Hypotenuse = 10 ft

One leg = 6 ft

Therefore, assuming the other leg is b; then

Therefore; the length of unknown leg is 6ft

Keywords: Right triangle, Pythagoras rule

Learn more about: Pythagoras theorem: Right triangle:

Level; High school

Subject: Mathematics

Topic: Pythagoras theorem