Math Problem Statement

Work out the lengths of sides a and b. Give your answers to 1 decimal place. The given triangles have sides: 8 cm and 5 cm in one triangle, and 17 cm and 12 cm in the other.

Solution

The image presents two right-angled triangles, each with some given sides, and requires us to find the missing sides aa and bb, rounded to 1 decimal place. We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the lengths of these missing sides.

1st Triangle:

Given:

  • One leg = 8 cm
  • Another leg = 5 cm
  • Hypotenuse = aa

According to the Pythagorean theorem:

a2=82+52a^2 = 8^2 + 5^2 a2=64+25=89a^2 = 64 + 25 = 89 a=899.4cma = \sqrt{89} \approx 9.4 \, \text{cm}

2nd Triangle:

Given:

  • Hypotenuse = 17 cm
  • One leg = 12 cm
  • Other leg = bb

Applying the Pythagorean theorem again:

172=122+b217^2 = 12^2 + b^2 289=144+b2289 = 144 + b^2 b2=289144=145b^2 = 289 - 144 = 145 b=14512.0cmb = \sqrt{145} \approx 12.0 \, \text{cm}

Final Answers:

  • a9.4cma \approx 9.4 \, \text{cm}
  • b12.0cmb \approx 12.0 \, \text{cm}

Would you like further details or have any questions about these calculations?

Related Questions:

  1. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply to right-angled triangles?
  2. What are the steps to calculate the hypotenuse in any right triangle?
  3. Can you explain the difference between legs and hypotenuse in a triangle?
  4. What are some common uses of the Pythagorean theorem in real life?
  5. How do you find a missing leg if the hypotenuse is known?

Tip:

Always double-check your units and rounding when solving geometric problems to ensure precision.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagorean Theorem
Right-Angled Triangles

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-9