5

Set 4: Triangles (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: B

PROBLEM

Intriguingly, a right triangle has legs of length 12 and 16. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A right triangle has legs of length 12 and 16. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

A.

19

B.

20

✓ Correct
C.

23

D.

18

Detailed Explanation

[Variation 2] Choice B is the best answer. c squared = 12 squared + 16 squared = 144 + 256 = 400. c = 20

Why others are wrong:
A: 19 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
C: 23 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.
D: 18 is incorrect because it does not satisfy the equation.