How to Use the Pythagorean Theorem to Find the Hypotenuse C Given 16ft and 12ft

Learn step-by-step how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for the hypotenuse when the two legs of a right triangle are 16ft and 12ft.

The Pythagorean Theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (C) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides (A and B):

C² = A² + B²

Here, the two given sides are 16 ft and 12 ft. Let's assign:

  • A = 16 ft
  • B = 12 ft

Step 1: Square both sides:

  • A² = 16² = 256
  • B² = 12² = 144

Step 2: Add the squares:

C² = 256 + 144 = 400

Step 3: Take the square root of both sides to solve for C:

C = √400 = 20 ft

Final answer: The length of the hypotenuse C is 20 ft.

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