How to Solve for Side B Using the Pythagorean Theorem with Sides 58 m and 40 m

The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (side c) equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides (side a and side b):

c² = a² + b²

Step 1: Identify which sides correspond to a, b, and c. Typically, c is the longest side (the hypotenuse), and a and b are the legs.

Given sides: 58 m and 40 m.

Since 58 m > 40 m, let’s assume:

• Hypotenuse (c) = 58 m
• One leg (a) = 40 m
• Other leg (b) = ? (This is what we want to find)

Step 2: Use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for b:

c² = a² + b²

Rearranged to solve for b:

b² = c² - a²

Step 3: Plug in the values:

b² = (58)² - (40)² = 3364 - 1600 = 1764

Step 4: Take the square root to find b:

b = 2 meters (since 22 = 1764)

Answer: The length of side B is 42 meters.

Note: Please verify whether 58 m corresponds to the hypotenuse. If 58 m is not the hypotenuse, the method changes, but typically, the longest side is the hypotenuse.