4

Set 3: Triangles (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

PROBLEM

Recent studies show that a right triangle has legs of length 9 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A right triangle has legs of length 9 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A.

15

✓ Correct
B.

17

C.

16

D.

14

Detailed Explanation

[Variation 1] Choice A is the best answer. c squared = 9 squared + 12 squared = 81 + 144 = 225. c = 15

Why others are wrong:
B: 17 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
C: 16 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
D: 14 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.