Question

there is a right triangle with a leg that is 5 inches long and a hypotenuse that is 8 inches long. what is the length of the third side of the triangle?
√39 inches
3 inches
√89 inches
3√13 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let the unknown leg be \(x\). The theorem is \(a^2 + b^2 = c^2\), so \(5^2 + x^2 = 8^2\).

Step2: Calculate squares

\(25 + x^2 = 64\)

Step3: Solve for \(x^2\)

\(x^2 = 64 - 25 = 39\)

Step4: Find \(x\)

\(x = \sqrt{39}\)

Answer:

A. \(\sqrt{39}\) inches