12
Right triangles can be solved using the Pythagorean theorem.
Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem says [tex]a^{2} +b^{2}= c^{2}[/tex], where a and b are shorter sides and c is the hypotenuse (the longest side of a right triangle). We can plug the values into the theorem to find the missing side.
Then solve for b
However, since length cannot be negative, the missing side must be 12.
Pythagorean Triples
Pythagorean triples are 3 positive integers that form a right triangle and satisfy the Pythagorean theorem. Some common triples include (3,4,5) and (5,12,13). Memorizing these common triples can help you answer questions about right triangles.
