Question

explain the main difference between finding a missing hypotenuse and finding a missing leg.
missing hypotenuse
missing leg
add squares subtract squares

Explanation:

When finding a missing hypotenuse in a right - triangle using the Pythagorean theorem \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\) (where \(c\) is the hypotenuse), we add the squares of the two legs (\(a\) and \(b\)) because the hypotenuse is the longest side and its square is the sum of the squares of the legs. When finding a missing leg (say \(a\)), we use the formula \(a^{2}=c^{2}-b^{2}\), so we subtract the square of the known leg (\(b\)) from the square of the hypotenuse (\(c\)).

Answer:

Missing Hypotenuse: Add Squares. Missing Leg: Subtract Squares.