1. a right triangle is shown below. use the pythagorean theorem to determine the lengths of each side. phythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c2. (2x + 5)(2x + 5) + (x + 3)(x + 3) = (2x + 7)(2x + 7)

This may not be very pretty.
(2x + 5) * (2x + 5) expanded is (use foil)
F = 4x^2
O = 2x * 5 = 10x
I = 2x + 5 = 10x
L = 25
Total = 4x^2 + 20x + 25

(x + 3)(x + 3) = x^2 + 6x + 9 by the same method

 (2x + 7)(2x + 7) = 4x^2 + 28x + 49 Same method.

4x^2 + 20x + 25 + x^2 + 6x + 9 = 4x^2 + 28x + 49
5x^2 + 26x + 34 = 4x^2 + 28x + 49 Collect everything on the left.
x^2 - 2x - 15 = 0
(x - 5)(x + 3) = 0
x + 3 will have no meaning.
x - 5 = 0
x = 5

2x + 5 = 2*5 + 5 = 15
x + 3 = 5 + 3 = 8
2x+ 7 = 2*5 +7 = 17

Check
15^2 + 8^2 = 17^2
225 + 64 = ? 289
289 = 289

a = 15 <<<<< answer
b = 8 <<<<< answer
c = 17 <<<<< answer