Solving for Line FC Using the Pythagorean Theorem

In summary, the conversation is discussing finding line FC in a given problem using the equation A^2 + b^2 = c^2. The attempt at a solution involved using the diagram and identifying the relationship between the two right triangles. The final answer was expressed as 16^2 + b^2 = c^2, with a question about whether the answer is correct and a request for the answer to be expressed in meters.
  • #1
Cyclopse
10
0

Homework Statement


Find line FC in the given problem.
10zsm6b.jpg




Homework Equations


A^2 + b^2 = c^2



The Attempt at a Solution


according to the diagram,
1/2ac = bc - since the the two right triangles share the same hypotenuse.
bc = 12
so 1/2ac = 12,
i got the answer as 16^2 + b^2 = c^2,
is that correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Cyclopse! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif
Cyclopse said:
according to the diagram,
Is it intended that we regard ABCD as a rectangle? It isn't marked as such.
1/2ac = bc - since the the two right triangles share the same hypotenuse.
But you could construct many different right triangles all having the same length hypotenuse.
bc = 12
so 1/2ac = 12,
i got the answer as 16^2 + b^2 = c^2,
is that correct?
Can you express FC in meters?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Related to Solving for Line FC Using the Pythagorean Theorem

What is the Pythagorean theorem?

The Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical equation that states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Who discovered the Pythagorean theorem?

The Pythagorean theorem is named after the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who is credited with its discovery. However, there is evidence that the theorem was known and used by other civilizations before Pythagoras.

How is the Pythagorean theorem used in real life?

The Pythagorean theorem has many real-life applications, including in architecture, engineering, and navigation. It is used to calculate distances, heights, and angles in various structures and objects.

What is the Pythagorean triple?

A Pythagorean triple is a set of three positive integers that satisfy the Pythagorean theorem. The most well-known Pythagorean triple is 3, 4, 5, where 3² + 4² = 5².

What is the Pythagorean identity?

The Pythagorean identity is a trigonometric equation that is derived from the Pythagorean theorem. It states that in a right triangle, the square of the sine of one angle plus the square of the cosine of the same angle is equal to 1.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
781
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
551
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
389
Back
Top