Using the Pythagorean theorem and a quadratic equation to find side lengths of a right triangle

Question

The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5ft long. The longer leg is 1ft longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle

Answer 1

x=short leg

x+1=long leg

Pythagorean theorem: x² + x² + 2x + 1 =25

Quadratic formula gives x=.5(25-sqrt(433)) ... approximately 2 ut you do the arithmetic to get a more precise answer.