The Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical formula used to find the length of a side in a right-angled triangle. The theorem states that:
a² + b² = c²
where c is the hypotenuse (the longest side opposite the right angle), and a and b are the other two sides.
In your case, you have two sides: one is 17 mm and the other is 8 mm, and you want to find side B. Here's how to do it step-by-step:
- Identify the hypotenuse: Usually, the longest side (17 mm) is the hypotenuse (c).
- Assign known values: Let’s say c = 17 mm, a = 8 mm, and b is the side we want to find.
- Apply the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
- Substitute known values: 8² + b² = 17²
- Simplify squares: 64 + b² = 289
- Isolate b²: b² = 289 - 64 = 225
- Find b: b = √225 = 15 mm
Answer: Side B is 15 millimeters.