How to Use the Pythagorean Theorem to Find the Hypotenuse When Legs are 36 in and 27 in

Learn step-by-step how to apply the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of the hypotenuse when given two legs of a right triangle measuring 36 inches and 27 inches.

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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

Given:

  • a = 36 inches
  • b = 27 inches

Step 1: Square both legs:

362 = 36 × 36 = 1296

272 = 27 × 27 = 729

Step 2: Add the squares together:

1296 + 729 = 2025

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

c = √2025 = 45 inches

Answer: The length of the hypotenuse c is 45 inches.

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