How do you find the x in Pythagorean theorem? - Answers

I don't know of an "x" in the Pythagorean theorem. I learned it as a2+b2=c2 as a and b being the legs and c the hypotenuse, all in a right triangle. The hypotenuse is the longest side, it is always located opposite the right angle. To solve for c, you find the square root of the sum of the squares of a and b. For example, if you are trying to find c and you know a=3 and b=4, then you square a and b, getting 9 and 16 respectively. 9+16=25. The square root of 25 is 5, so c=5. If you are solving for a or b, you find the squares you know, then subtract the leg you know from the hypotenuse, and find the square root of the difference. So if you know a=6 and c=10, then you square them both and find 36 and 100, respectively. When you subtract 36 from 100, you get 64. The square root of 64 is 8, therefore, b=8. This method also works for finding a.