I need to find the diagonal length of a right triangle. Where 15in one side and 10in on the other..

Question

I am getting approximately 18in. My Math teacher is adamant the answer is 17 because he rounded the numbers. I can't figure out why he did that even after the explanation.

Answer 1

Pythagorean Theorem:

 

Hypotenuse^2 = leg^2 + leg^2

 

In your problem:

 

diagonal length^2 = 15^2 + 10^2

 

          diagonal^2 = 225 + 100

 

           diagonal^2 = 325

 

               diagonal = √325

 

               diagonal = 18.027

 

Rounded diagonal = 18 inches