geometry · worked example

Solve right triangle with legs 3 and 4

Method: Pythagorean theorem. Verified step-by-step solution with our free AI math solver.
Problem

a2+b2=c2, a=3, b=4a^2 + b^2 = c^2,\ a=3,\ b=4

Step-by-step solution

  1. Identify the legs of the right triangle: a=3a = 3 and b=4b = 4.

  2. Apply the Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where cc is the hypotenuse.

  3. Substitute the known values: 32+42=c23^2 + 4^2 = c^2.

  4. Compute the squares: 9+16=c29 + 16 = c^2, so c2=25c^2 = 25.

  5. Take the positive square root (length is positive): c=5c = 5.

  6. The triangle 3-4-5 is the smallest Pythagorean triple — common in homework and standardised tests.

Answer

c=5c = 5

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