Solve the problem.
-A lot is in the shape of a right triangle. The shorter leg measures 150 meters. The hypotenuse is 50 meters longer than the length of the longer leg. How long is the longer leg?
A) 250 meters
B) 150 meters
C) 300 meters
D) 200 meters

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The longer leg can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $a$ and $b$ are the legs and $c$ is the hypotenuse. Let $x$ be the length of the longer leg, so the hypotenuse is $x + 50$. Plugging into the theorem: $150^2 + x^2 = (x + 50)^2$. Solving for $x$ gives $x = 200$ meters.

Solve the Problem. -A Lot Is in the Shape of a Right Triangle