Math Problem Statement

Find length of side AB

Find the length of side AB in the right triangle, where AC = 7√3 cm and BC = 14 cm.

Solution

This is a right-angled triangle ABC\triangle ABC with A=90\angle A = 90^\circ, ABAB as one leg, AC=73cmAC = 7\sqrt{3} \, \text{cm}, and BC=14cmBC = 14 \, \text{cm} (the hypotenuse).

To find the length of side ABAB, we can apply the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in any right triangle:

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

Substitute the known values:

AB2+(73)2=142AB^2 + (7\sqrt{3})^2 = 14^2

First, calculate each term:

(73)2=49×3=147(7\sqrt{3})^2 = 49 \times 3 = 147 142=19614^2 = 196

Now, substitute these into the equation:

AB2+147=196AB^2 + 147 = 196

Solve for AB2AB^2:

AB2=196147AB^2 = 196 - 147 AB2=49AB^2 = 49

Finally, take the square root of both sides:

AB=49=7AB = \sqrt{49} = 7

Thus, the length of side ABAB is 7cm\boxed{7 \, \text{cm}}.

Would you like further details, or do you have any additional questions?

Here are five related questions to explore:

  1. How would you find the angles B\angle B and C\angle C using trigonometric ratios?
  2. How can you verify the result using the sine or cosine of one of the angles?
  3. What is the area of this right triangle?
  4. How would the Pythagorean theorem change if the triangle were not right-angled?
  5. Can you use the tangent of A\angle A to find the length of ABAB?

Tip: The Pythagorean theorem is only applicable in right-angled triangles. Always verify the triangle type before using it!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right Triangles

Formulas

Pythagorean theorem: AB² + AC² = BC²

Theorems

Pythagorean theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10