Answer:
c = 20 inches
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the sides of a right triangle, you use the Pythagorean Theorem.
a² + b² = c²
You know a and b, and you need to find c, the hypotenuse.
Plug in a and b.
(12)² + (16)² = c²
Simplify by solving the exponents.
144 + 256 = c²
Combine the constants.
400 = c²
Take the square root of both sides.
√400 = √c²
Solve the √
±20 = c
The length cannot be negative, so you can eliminate that as an option.
So, c = 20
