13 ft 5 ft

Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
7th Edition
ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
ChapterP: Preliminary Concepts
SectionP.CT: Test
Problem 1CT
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Topic Video
Question

what is the value of x?

This image depicts a right-angled triangle with the following measurements:

- The length of the hypotenuse is labeled as 13 feet.
- One of the legs (the height) is labeled as 5 feet.
- The other leg (the base) is labeled as \( x \).

### Explanation of the Triangle:

- **Right Angle:** The triangle has a right angle (90 degrees) at the bottom right corner, indicated by the small red square.
- **Hypotenuse:** The side opposite the right angle, labeled as 13 feet, is the longest side of the triangle.
- **Height:** The leg that is perpendicular to the base is labeled as 5 feet.
- **Base:** The base of the triangle is labeled as \( x \), which is what we need to solve for.

### Solving for \( x \):

According to the Pythagorean theorem, in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). 

The formula is:
\[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \]

In this case:
\[ 13^2 = x^2 + 5^2 \]

Solving for \( x \):
\[ 169 = x^2 + 25 \]
\[ x^2 = 169 - 25 \]
\[ x^2 = 144 \]
\[ x = \sqrt{144} \]
\[ x = 12 \]

So, the length of the base \( x \) is 12 feet.

### Educational Value:

This example is perfect for illustrating the application of the Pythagorean theorem. It teaches students how to identify the components of a right-angled triangle and use the theorem to find a missing side length.
Transcribed Image Text:This image depicts a right-angled triangle with the following measurements: - The length of the hypotenuse is labeled as 13 feet. - One of the legs (the height) is labeled as 5 feet. - The other leg (the base) is labeled as \( x \). ### Explanation of the Triangle: - **Right Angle:** The triangle has a right angle (90 degrees) at the bottom right corner, indicated by the small red square. - **Hypotenuse:** The side opposite the right angle, labeled as 13 feet, is the longest side of the triangle. - **Height:** The leg that is perpendicular to the base is labeled as 5 feet. - **Base:** The base of the triangle is labeled as \( x \), which is what we need to solve for. ### Solving for \( x \): According to the Pythagorean theorem, in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b). The formula is: \[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \] In this case: \[ 13^2 = x^2 + 5^2 \] Solving for \( x \): \[ 169 = x^2 + 25 \] \[ x^2 = 169 - 25 \] \[ x^2 = 144 \] \[ x = \sqrt{144} \] \[ x = 12 \] So, the length of the base \( x \) is 12 feet. ### Educational Value: This example is perfect for illustrating the application of the Pythagorean theorem. It teaches students how to identify the components of a right-angled triangle and use the theorem to find a missing side length.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Angles, Arcs, and Chords and Tangents
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, geometry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
Geometry
ISBN:
9781337614085
Author:
Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Elementary Geometry for College Students
Elementary Geometry for College Students
Geometry
ISBN:
9781285195698
Author:
Daniel C. Alexander, Geralyn M. Koeberlein
Publisher:
Cengage Learning