In this next problem we make use of the Pythagoras theorem to find the length of an unknown side of a right triangle
Here we have triangle xyz with sides of known lengths 8 cm and 15 cm. The angle XYZ is shown to be 90 degrees We are required to find the length of the side XZ
Since the triangle is right angled at angle XYZ, by Pythagoras theorem, we have
XY squared plus YZ squared equals XZ squared
Computing XY squared plus YZ squared gives
Which means 15 squared plus 8 squared or
225 plus 64 which equals 289
Now if 289 equals XZ squared
This means XZ is 17 since 17 squared is 289
Let us summarise what we have learnt today.