The shorter leg of a right triangle is 5 centimeters less than the other leg. Find the length of the two legs if the hypotenuse is 25 centimeters.

Question

Please provide answer; but, most important show steps. Thank You

Answer 1

x^2 + (x-5)^2 = 25^2

x^2 + x^2 - 10x + 25 = 625

2x^2 - 10x - 600 = 0

x^2 - 5x - 300 = 0

( x - 20 )(x + 15 ) = 0

x+15=0 results in negative measures

x-20 = 0 --> x = 20

15, 20, and 25