When you are using pythagorean theorem, do you have to switch around the equation when solving for something other than the hypotenuse of the triangle?
2006-12-17 13:13:55 · 8 answers · asked by Geneva M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Hmm...no I don't believe so.
Just make sure that the hypotenuse is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS in the place of c. And you got it.
=]
2006-12-17 13:16:37 · answer #1 · answered by Jacqui 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The pythagorean theorm is
a^2 + b^2 = c^2 where a and b are 2 sides and c is the hypotenuse of a right angled triangle.
So if your asking how to solve for one of the sides, you'd just isolate whichever side you wanna solve for in the equation. If they give you the hypotenuse and b, then you would do a = (c^2-b^2)^1/2
I hope that helped.
2006-12-17 13:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the pythagorean theorem, c represents the hypotenuse:
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
If you want to solve for the length of one of the legs, just use algebra to isolate either a or b.
For example:
a^2 = c^2 - b^2 (by subtracting b^2 from both sides)
2006-12-17 13:26:33 · answer #3 · answered by TKD Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes if c is the hypotenuse & a & b are the legs
c^2=a^2+b^2
a^2=c^2-b^2
b^2=c^2-a^2
2006-12-17 13:17:48 · answer #4 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you have to switch around the equation which is a simple task.
2006-12-19 12:18:58 · answer #5 · answered by chanljkk 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so long as you make sure the hypotenuse is c, you're fine
2006-12-17 13:24:03 · answer #6 · answered by bob_plumbing 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you dont have to but again you have to make sure the hypotenus is in place of the c in the equation. :]
2006-12-17 13:25:31 · answer #7 · answered by nina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2006-12-19 17:00:32 · answer #8 · answered by katherin evans 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋