Question

given the triangle below, what is the length of the hypotenuse? 2 cm 4 cm a 20 cm b 12 cm c √12 cm d √20 cm

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

$a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $a = 4$ cm, $b = 2$ cm and $c$ is the hypotenuse.

Step2: Substitute values

$4^{2}+2^{2}=c^{2}$.

Step3: Calculate left - hand side

$16 + 4=c^{2}$, so $c^{2}=20$.

Step4: Solve for $c$

$c=\sqrt{20}$ cm.

Answer:

D. $\sqrt{20}$ cm