Math Problem Statement

What is the distance BC given AB = 9 and AC = 6? The diagram is of a right triangle.

Solution

The diagram shows a right triangle, where we are given two sides:

  • AB=9AB = 9
  • AC=6AC = 6

To find the distance BCBC, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which applies to right-angled triangles:

AB2=AC2+BC2AB^2 = AC^2 + BC^2

Rearranging this equation to solve for BCBC:

BC2=AB2AC2BC^2 = AB^2 - AC^2

Now let's substitute the known values:

BC2=9262BC^2 = 9^2 - 6^2 BC2=8136=45BC^2 = 81 - 36 = 45

Therefore:

BC=45=356.71BC = \sqrt{45} = 3\sqrt{5} \approx 6.71

So, the distance BCBC is approximately 6.71 units.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are five related questions to expand on this:

  1. How would the Pythagorean theorem change if the triangle was not a right triangle?
  2. Can you calculate the area of the triangle with the known side lengths?
  3. What would happen if ACAC and BCBC were swapped? How would the calculation differ?
  4. Can you explore different methods for calculating the distance between points in non-right triangles?
  5. How can trigonometric ratios be used to find unknown sides in right triangles?

Tip: When using the Pythagorean theorem, always ensure you know which side is the hypotenuse (the longest side opposite the right angle).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangle
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

AB^2 = AC^2 + BC^2
BC = √(AB^2 - AC^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10