The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. The formula is:
a2 + b2 = c2
Where:
- c is the hypotenuse (the longest side)
- a and b are the other two sides
Given two sides are 87 ft and 60 ft, let's assume 87 ft is the hypotenuse (c) and 60 ft is one of the legs (a).
We are trying to find the other leg (b).
Apply the formula:
872 = 602 + b2
Calculate the squares:
872 = 7569
602 = 3600
Substitute:
7569 = 3600 + b2
Subtract 3600 from both sides:
b2 = 7569 - 3600 = 3969
Take the square root of both sides:
b = √3969 = 63
Answer: The length of side B is 63 feet.