Math Problem Statement

I have two triangles, one has a hypotenuse (AB) of 7, an opposite side (BC) of 3, and an adjacent (AC) of 5. The second triangle has an unknown hypotenuse (DE), an adjacent side (DF) of 7, and an opposite side (EF) of 2. What is the value of the unknown hypotenuse of the second triangle?

Solution

Given two triangles where the sides of the first triangle are AB=7AB = 7, BC=3BC = 3, and AC=5AC = 5, and the second triangle has DF=7DF = 7, EF=2EF = 2, and the hypotenuse DEDE is unknown, we can determine DEDE by using the Pythagorean theorem.

Step 1: Confirm the given information satisfies the Pythagorean theorem.

For the first triangle, check if it is a right triangle: AB2=BC2+AC2AB^2 = BC^2 + AC^2 72=32+527^2 = 3^2 + 5^2 49=9+2549 = 9 + 25 49=3449 = 34

This indicates there is a mistake in the given dimensions for the first triangle, as they do not satisfy the Pythagorean theorem. However, we will proceed with the question assuming they were meant to be checked for similarity only.

Step 2: Establish similarity and solve for the unknown hypotenuse.

Assume the two triangles are similar. The sides of similar triangles are proportional.

For the given triangles: BCEF=ACDF\frac{BC}{EF} = \frac{AC}{DF}

Using the given side lengths: 32=57\frac{3}{2} = \frac{5}{7}

This proportion does not hold, implying the triangles may not be similar based on the given side lengths.

Step 3: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find the unknown hypotenuse if it is a right triangle.

For the second triangle, if it is indeed a right triangle: DE2=DF2+EF2DE^2 = DF^2 + EF^2 DE2=72+22DE^2 = 7^2 + 2^2 DE2=49+4DE^2 = 49 + 4 DE2=53DE^2 = 53 DE=53DE = \sqrt{53}

Thus, the value of the unknown hypotenuse DEDE is 53\sqrt{53}.

If you have any questions or need further details, please let me know.

Here are 8 related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you confirm if triangles are similar using side lengths?
  2. What are the properties of right triangles?
  3. How is the Pythagorean theorem applied in right triangles?
  4. Can non-right triangles be used to determine unknown sides?
  5. How do you determine the similarity ratio of two similar triangles?
  6. What are the criteria for two triangles to be similar?
  7. How do the sides of a right triangle relate to its angles?
  8. How can trigonometric ratios be used in right triangles to find unknown sides?

Tip: Always verify if given triangles are right triangles before applying the Pythagorean theorem to avoid incorrect conclusions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagorean theorem
Similarity of triangles

Formulas

Pythagorean theorem: DE^2 = DF^2 + EF^2

Theorems

Pythagorean theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12