Question

find the missing length of the figure

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The figure contains a right - triangle with hypotenuse $20$ cm and one side $12$ cm. According to the Pythagorean theorem $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse and $a$ and $b$ are the legs of the right - triangle. Let the missing side be $x$, then $x=\sqrt{c^{2}-a^{2}}$.

Step2: Substitute values

Substitute $c = 20$ and $a = 12$ into the formula. $x=\sqrt{20^{2}-12^{2}}=\sqrt{(20 + 12)(20 - 12)}=\sqrt{32\times8}=\sqrt{256}$.

Step3: Calculate the square - root

$\sqrt{256}=16$.

Answer:

$16$