Find the value of side a in the right triangle shown

To find the value of side ( a ) in a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (c) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides (a and b).

The formula is:

[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 ]

From your question, if we assume that 20 cm is the hypotenuse (c), and 4.5 cm and 7.2 cm are the other two sides (b):

1. First, square the lengths of the known sides.
2. Then plug them into the Pythagorean theorem.

For example:

– Assume ( b = 7.2 , text{cm} ) and ( c = 20 , text{cm} ).

– Apply the formula:

[ 20^2 = a^2 + 7.2^2 ]

[ 400 = a^2 + 51.84 ]

[ a^2 = 400 – 51.84 ]

[ a^2 = 348.16 ]

[ a = sqrt{348.16} approx 18.66 , text{cm} ]

So, side ( a ) is approximately 18.66 cm. Make sure to check the specific sides for your triangle! If you