Question

one leg of an isosceles right triangle measures 5 inches. rounded to the nearest tenth, what is the approximate length of the hypotenuse? 7.1 inches 2.5 inches 5.0 inches 9.8 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\), where \(a,b\) are legs, \(c\) is hypotenuse. In isosceles right triangle, \(a = b = 5\) inches.

Step2: Substitute values into formula

\(c^2 = 5^2 + 5^2 = 25 + 25 = 50\)

Step3: Solve for \(c\)

\(c=\sqrt{50}\approx7.07\), rounded to nearest tenth is \(7.1\).

Answer:

7.1 inches (the first option)