How do I solve this problem using the Pythagorean theorem?

Question

I need to find the b side of a triangle that has a hypotenuse of 2,5 and an a side of 10 m.

I tried to do this:

10² + b² = 2,5²

100 + b² = 6,25

b² = 6,25 - 100

b² = -93,75

I don't know how to proceed from here because the square root of a negative number is an imaginary number, and I need a real number.

Answer 1

Agus, the hypotenuse of a right triangle is always the longest side (it is opposite the largest angle--90^o.)

So there is no right triangle that has a hypotenuse with length 2.5 and a leg of 10. So either you are supposed to conclude there is no such triangle, or the problem statement contains an error.