Pythagorean Theorem

Using the Pythagorean Theorem to find a missing leg

We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find a missing leg of a triangle, but only if we know the length measure of the hypotenuse and the other one of the legs.

Find x

5²=3²+x²
x²=5²-3²
x²=25-9
x²=16
x=4

In a right triangle you know the hypotenuse is 60 units long and one leg is 48 units long.

Calculate the other leg:

Solution: