Math question

Question

define variables, write an equation, and then use the equation in the solving process.

A lot is in the shape of a right triangle. The shorter leg measures 180 meters. The hypotenuse is 60 meters longer than the length of the longer leg. How long is the longer leg?

Answer 1

 x=longer leg

180=shorter leg

x+60=hypotenuse

use the Pythagorean Theorem

(x+60)^2=x^2+180^2

x^2+120x+3600=x^2+32,400

subtract x^2 from both sides

120x+3600=32,400

120x=32,400-3600

120x=28,800

x=28,800/120

x=240 m is the longer leg (answer)

180 m is the shorter leg

240+60=300 m is the hypotenuse

this is basically what is called a 3-4-5 right triangle

180=3*60

240=4*60

300=5*60