The lengths of the adjacent sides of a right - angled triangle are xcm, (x-1)cm. If the length of the hypotenuse is \(\sqrt{13}cm\), find the value of x

  • A 2
  • B 3
  • C 4
  • D 5
waec 2005mathematics

The correct answer is B. 3

\(x^2+(x-1)^2 = (\sqrt{13})^2 \Rightarrow x^2 + x^2 - 2x + 1 = 13\\

2x^2 - 2x - 12 = 0\) dividing through by 2

\(x^2 - x- 6 = 0; (x-3)(x-2) = 0 \Rightarrow x = 3 or -2 \)

Previous question Next question