Math Problem Statement

Find the length of the leg labeled l. Give your answer to 1 decimal place.

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states:

a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Here:

  • cc is the hypotenuse (16 in this case),
  • aa is the given leg (4),
  • bb is the unknown leg labeled ll.

Step 1: Write the equation

42+l2=1624^2 + l^2 = 16^2

Step 2: Simplify the known values

16+l2=25616 + l^2 = 256

Step 3: Isolate l2l^2

l2=25616l^2 = 256 - 16 l2=240l^2 = 240

Step 4: Solve for ll

l=240l = \sqrt{240}

Using a calculator: l15.5l \approx 15.5

Final Answer:

The length of the leg labeled ll is approximately 15.5 (to 1 decimal place).


Would you like a detailed explanation of any step or further help?

Here are 5 related questions for practice:

  1. What is the length of a triangle's leg if the hypotenuse is 20 and the other leg is 12?
  2. How can the Pythagorean theorem be used in 3D space?
  3. What happens if all sides of the triangle are integers, such as 3-4-5?
  4. How do you determine if a triangle is a right triangle given the sides?
  5. Can you apply the Pythagorean theorem to non-right triangles?

Tip: Always double-check which side is the hypotenuse; it’s the longest side and opposite the right angle!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles
Square Roots

Formulas

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

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-10