There are multiple steps to solve this problem. First, we need to find x. The Pythagorean theorem is a^2+b^2=c^2. Substitute the the sides of the triangle into the equation. x^2+8^2=(x+5)^2 Square everything. x^2+64=x^2+10x+25 Subtract x from both sides. 64=10x+25 Subtract 25 from both sides 39=10x Divide both sides by 10 x=3.9 The formula for the area of a triangle is 1/2*b*h. The base of this triangle is 8 and the height is 3.9. Substitute the values into the formula. 1/2*8*3.9 Simplify 1/2*31.2 15.6 The area of the triangle is 15.6 units^2
