5

Set 2: Triangles (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: A

PROBLEM

Recent studies show that a right triangle has legs of length 5 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A right triangle has legs of length 5 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A.

13

✓ Correct
B.

16

C.

15

D.

11

Detailed Explanation

[Variation 1] Choice A is the best answer. c squared = 5 squared + 12 squared = 25 + 144 = 169. c = 13

Why others are wrong:
B: 16 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
C: 15 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
D: 11 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.