Polynomials

Question

A television set has a diagonal measuring 36 inches. If one of the sides measures x inches, write an equation giving the length of the other side

Answer 1

I agree with John, except that 36 also needs to be squared, to match the format of the Pythagorean theorem.

 

a² + b² = c²

 

x² + y² = 36² = 1296

 

Now rearrange to solve for y, in terms of x

 

y² = 1296 - x²

 

y = √(1296 - x²)

Answer 2

This a pathagoren theorem problem.  Which is:  c²=a²+b²

 

The problem tells us that c= 36" and that one side is length x. 

The solution is and expression that gives the length of the other side.  (which I'll call y)

 

substituting:

 

36²=x²+y²

isolate y, by subtracting x² from both side and taking the square root of both sides.

 

y =√36²-x²