Solve.
-One leg of a right triangle is 28 inches longer than the smaller leg, and the hypotenuse is 32 inches longer than the smaller leg. Find the lengths of the sides of the triangle.
A) legs: 20 in., 48 in., hypotenuse: 52 in.
B) legs: 19 in., 47 in., hypotenuse: 53 in.
C) legs: 21 in., 49 in., hypotenuse: 53 in.
D) legs: 16 in., 44 in., hypotenuse: 48 in.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the Pythagorean theorem, let x be the length of the smaller leg. The other leg is x + 28, and the hypotenuse is x + 32. The equation is $x^2 + (x + 28)^2 = (x + 32)^2$. Solving this, we find x = 20, so the sides are 20 in., 48 in., and the hypotenuse is 52 in.

Solve. -One Leg of a Right Triangle Is 28 Inches Longer