Answer:
x = 47
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation for the sides of a right triangle is also call the Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
Given that 14 is the shortest side, then (x +1) is likely the other side and (x +3) is the hypotenuse. We can then plug this value and expressions into our equation: 14² + (x + 1)² = (x+3)² or 196 + (x + 1)(x + 1) = (x + 3)(x +3).
Distribute: 196 + x² + 2x + 1 = x² + 6x + 9
Combine like terms: 188 = 4x
Divide: x = 47
Check: 14² + 48² = 50² or 196 + 2304 = 2500 or 2500 = 2500
