Solving for C in a Right Triangle Using the Pythagorean Theorem with Sides 18m and 24m

Learn step-by-step how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse C when given the other two sides 18 meters and 24 meters.

The Pythagorean Theorem is a formula used in right triangles and states that:

a2 + b2 = c2

where a and b are the lengths of the two legs (the sides that form the right angle), and c is the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle).

Given:

  • a = 18 meters
  • b = 24 meters

Step 1: Square each leg:

182 = 324

242 = 576

Step 2: Add the squares:

324 + 576 = 900

Step 3: Take the square root of the sum to find c:

c = √900 = 30

Answer: The length of side C (the hypotenuse) is 30 meters.

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