Math Problem Statement

The longer leg of a garden shaped as a right triangle is 2ft more than the shorter leg. The hypotenuse is 2ft less than twice the length of the shorter leg. Find the length of each side.

Solution

We can solve this problem by setting up an equation based on the Pythagorean Theorem. The Pythagorean Theorem states that for a right triangle with legs aa and bb, and hypotenuse cc, the following relationship holds:

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

Let:

  • xx be the length of the shorter leg.
  • The longer leg will be x+2x + 2 ft (since it's 2 feet more than the shorter leg).
  • The hypotenuse will be 2x22x - 2 ft (since it's 2 feet less than twice the shorter leg).

Now, using the Pythagorean Theorem:

x2+(x+2)2=(2x2)2x^2 + (x + 2)^2 = (2x - 2)^2

Step 1: Expand both sides

x2+(x+2)2=(2x2)2x^2 + (x + 2)^2 = (2x - 2)^2

Expanding the squares:

x2+(x2+4x+4)=(4x28x+4)x^2 + (x^2 + 4x + 4) = (4x^2 - 8x + 4)

x2+x2+4x+4=4x28x+4x^2 + x^2 + 4x + 4 = 4x^2 - 8x + 4

Step 2: Combine like terms

2x2+4x+4=4x28x+42x^2 + 4x + 4 = 4x^2 - 8x + 4

Subtract 2x2+4x+42x^2 + 4x + 4 from both sides:

0=2x212x0 = 2x^2 - 12x

Step 3: Factor the quadratic equation

2x(x6)=02x(x - 6) = 0

This gives us two possible solutions:

x=0orx=6x = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad x = 6

Since the length of the shorter leg cannot be zero, we conclude that:

x=6x = 6

Step 4: Find the lengths of the other sides

  • Shorter leg: x=6x = 6 ft
  • Longer leg: x+2=6+2=8x + 2 = 6 + 2 = 8 ft
  • Hypotenuse: 2x2=2(6)2=102x - 2 = 2(6) - 2 = 10 ft

Final Answer:

  • Shorter leg = 6 ft
  • Longer leg = 8 ft
  • Hypotenuse = 10 ft

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. How would the solution change if the longer leg were 3 feet more than the shorter leg?
  2. Can you find the perimeter and area of the triangular garden?
  3. How would you solve the problem if the hypotenuse were exactly twice the shorter leg?
  4. What is the ratio between the sides of this right triangle?
  5. Can the Pythagorean theorem be applied to non-right triangles?

Tip: When solving geometry problems, always sketch a figure to visualize the relationships among the different sides.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Pythagorean Theorem
Quadratic Equations

Formulas

Pythagorean Theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Quadratic equation: ax^2 + bx + c = 0

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10