The side lengths of the following right triangle 15,20 and 25, as shown below. The altitude from the right angle splits the hypotenuse into line segments of length x and y. Solve for h,x, and y.

Answer 1

Area of the right triangle = (1/2)(15)(20) = 150

that's using 15 as the base and 20 as the altitude

With 25 as the base, the altitude = 12. The area is the same 150=(1/2)base(altitude) =

Area = (1/2)(25)(12)= 150

the altitude 12 cuts the base 25 into 2 sections x and y or x and 25-x

x, 15 and 12 form a right triangle with 15 as the hypotenuse. x= 9. 9^2+12^2 = 15^2

81+144 = 225

y=25-x = 25-9 = 16

h=12, x = 9, y = 16