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
Question
Find the values of the missing side lengths for W and Y in the triangle below.
The image depicts a right triangle with the following features:

1. **Right Angle:** The triangle has a right angle (90 degrees) at one of its corners.
2. **Legs of the Triangle:** 
   - One leg of the triangle is labeled with the letter "w."
   - The other leg of the triangle, perpendicular to the first, is labeled with a length of 9 units.
3. **Hypotenuse:** The hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is labeled with the letter "y."

### Explanation for Educational Context:

This right triangle diagram is useful for illustrating fundamental concepts of trigonometry and geometry, particularly the Pythagorean theorem. In this diagram:
- The horizontal leg is labeled "w."
- The vertical leg is 9 units long.
- The hypotenuse, labeled "y," is the longest side of the right triangle.

According to the Pythagorean theorem, for any right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (y) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

\[ y^2 = w^2 + 9^2 \]

By understanding this relationship, students can solve for unknown side lengths and deepen their comprehension of right triangles and their properties.
Transcribed Image Text:The image depicts a right triangle with the following features: 1. **Right Angle:** The triangle has a right angle (90 degrees) at one of its corners. 2. **Legs of the Triangle:** - One leg of the triangle is labeled with the letter "w." - The other leg of the triangle, perpendicular to the first, is labeled with a length of 9 units. 3. **Hypotenuse:** The hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is labeled with the letter "y." ### Explanation for Educational Context: This right triangle diagram is useful for illustrating fundamental concepts of trigonometry and geometry, particularly the Pythagorean theorem. In this diagram: - The horizontal leg is labeled "w." - The vertical leg is 9 units long. - The hypotenuse, labeled "y," is the longest side of the right triangle. According to the Pythagorean theorem, for any right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (y) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. Mathematically, this can be expressed as: \[ y^2 = w^2 + 9^2 \] By understanding this relationship, students can solve for unknown side lengths and deepen their comprehension of right triangles and their properties.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Basics (types, similarity, etc)
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