How to Solve for B Using the Pythagorean Theorem with 73in and 55in

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the two legs equals the square of the hypotenuse:

a² + b² = c²

Here, suppose you know two sides are 73 inches and 55 inches. To solve for side B, you first need to determine which sides these correspond to: are 73 inches and 55 inches the legs (a and b), or is one of them the hypotenuse (c)?

Case 1: 73 inches and 55 inches are the legs (a and c is unknown)

If 73 inches and 55 inches are the two legs, then the hypotenuse c is:

c = √(73² + 55²) = √(5329 + 3025) = √(8354) ≈ 91.42 inches

If you are solving for B and B is the hypotenuse, then B ≈ 91.42 inches.

Case 2: One side is the hypotenuse

Suppose 73 inches is the hypotenuse c, and 55 inches is one leg a, then solve for leg B = b as:

B = √(c² - a²) = √(73² - 55²) = √(5329 - 3025) = √(2304) = 48 inches

Therefore, B would be 48 inches.

Summary:

• If 73 in and 55 in are legs: B (hypotenuse) ≈ 91.42 in.
• If 73 in is the hypotenuse and 55 in is a leg: B (other leg) = 48 in.

Make sure you know which sides you are given to correctly solve for B using the Pythagorean theorem.