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 and , and hypotenuse , the following relationship holds:
Let:
- be the length of the shorter leg.
- The longer leg will be ft (since it's 2 feet more than the shorter leg).
- The hypotenuse will be ft (since it's 2 feet less than twice the shorter leg).
Now, using the Pythagorean Theorem:
Step 1: Expand both sides
Expanding the squares:
Step 2: Combine like terms
Subtract from both sides:
Step 3: Factor the quadratic equation
This gives us two possible solutions:
Since the length of the shorter leg cannot be zero, we conclude that:
Step 4: Find the lengths of the other sides
- Shorter leg: ft
- Longer leg: ft
- Hypotenuse: 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:
- How would the solution change if the longer leg were 3 feet more than the shorter leg?
- Can you find the perimeter and area of the triangular garden?
- How would you solve the problem if the hypotenuse were exactly twice the shorter leg?
- What is the ratio between the sides of this right triangle?
- 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
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