So pythagorean theorem is an equation used for right triangles to find missing sides. The equation is [tex] leg^2+leg^2=hypotenuse^2 [/tex] . Since we know that 82 is the hypotenuse and a and 80 are our legs, we can form the equation as such: [tex] a^2+80^2=82^2 [/tex]
Firstly, solve the exponents: [tex] a^2+6400=6724 [/tex]
Next, subtract 6400 on both sides: [tex] a^2=324 [/tex]
Next, square root both sides and your answer will be a = 18.
