This is a special right triangle, called a 45˚-45˚-90˚.
In a 45-45-90 triangle the sides opposite 45˚ must be equal. The ratios of the sides are 1:1:`sqrt(2).`
Since the hypotenuse is 5, to find the length of x, we would divide by `sqrt(2).`
`:. 5/sqrt(2)` Must rationalize the denominator.
`5/sqrt(2)*sqrt(2)/sqrt(2) = (5sqrt(2))/2`
...
See This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
This is a special right triangle, called a 45˚-45˚-90˚.
In a 45-45-90 triangle the sides opposite 45˚ must be equal. The ratios of the sides are 1:1:`sqrt(2).`
Since the hypotenuse is 5, to find the length of x, we would divide by `sqrt(2).`
`:. 5/sqrt(2)` Must rationalize the denominator.
`5/sqrt(2)*sqrt(2)/sqrt(2) = (5sqrt(2))/2`
The solution for x is `(5sqrt(2))/2.`
This is an isosceles right triangle (45-45-90), where the two legs are equal and equal to
leg=leg=hypotenuse/`sqrt2`
Thus `x=5/sqrt2`