How to Solve for Side B Using the Pythagorean Theorem with Sides 25m and 15m

The Pythagorean Theorem is a fundamental principle in geometry that applies to right-angled triangles. It states:

a² + b² = c²

where c is the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle, and the longest side), and a and b are the other two legs.

Given two sides of lengths 25 meters and 15 meters, and needing to find side B, here are the steps:

1. Identify the hypotenuse: Usually, the longest side (25m) is the hypotenuse (c), and the other side is one leg (a or b).
2. Write the formula with known values: Suppose 25m is the hypotenuse (c) and 15m is one leg (a), then find the other leg (b):
   a² + b² = c²
   15² + b² = 25²
3. Calculate squares:
   225 + b² = 625
4. Solve for b²:
   b² = 625 - 225 = 400
5. Find b by taking the square root:
   b = √400 = 20 meters

Answer: Side B is 20 meters long.

If instead your 25m and 15m sides are legs and you are solving for the hypotenuse, then:

c² = 25² + 15² = 625 + 225 = 850

c = √850 ≈ 29.15 meters

So make sure to correctly identify which side is the hypotenuse when applying the Pythagorean theorem.