Multiple choice

A right triangle has a hypotenuse of 20 inches and another side length of 16 inches. What is the length of the third side of the right triangle in inches?

  1. 15

  2. 12

  3. 9

  4. 7
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B Correct answer
Explanation

According to the Pythagorean theorem, the sum of the squares of the two shorter sides of a right triangle equals the square of the hypotenuse. Thus, the third side is sqrt(20^2 - 16^2) = sqrt(400 - 256) = sqrt(144) = 12 inches.

AI explanation

Apply the Pythagorean theorem, a² + b² = c², using the hypotenuse c = 20 and the known side a = 16. The equation becomes 16² + b² = 20², which simplifies to 256 + b² = 400. Subtracting 256 from 400 leaves b² = 144. The length of the third side is the square root of 144, which is 12.

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