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thomas49th
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What is this question going for. I can identify that OTA is a right angled triangle... Where do I go from
Calculator, Q 17 - what it getting at
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a problem involving a right-angled triangle, specifically the triangle OTA. Participants are exploring the application of Pythagoras' theorem and the relationships that apply to right-angled triangles.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants are attempting to identify the next steps after recognizing the triangle's properties. Questions are raised about the use of Pythagoras' theorem and the relationships that are relevant to right-angled triangles.
Discussion Status
The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the properties of right-angled triangles and questioning the rationale behind using Pythagoras' theorem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the significance of recognizing the triangle's nature.
Contextual Notes
There are indications of confusion regarding the application of Pythagoras' theorem and the relationships between the sides of the triangle. Participants are also correcting each other's mathematical expressions, suggesting a collaborative effort to clarify the problem.
What is this question going for. I can identify that OTA is a right angled triangle... Where do I go from
- #2
cristo
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Pythagoras?thomas49th said:
- #3
thomas49th
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[tex](x+8)(x+8) = x^{2} + (x+5)(x+5)[/tex]
[tex]x ^ {2} + 16x + 64 = x^4+10x+25[/tex]
take LHS from RHS
[tex]x^{2} - 6x - 39 = 0[/tex]
but how did you know to use pythagerous?
[tex]x ^ {2} + 16x + 64 = x^4+10x+25[/tex]
take LHS from RHS
[tex]x^{2} - 6x - 39 = 0[/tex]
but how did you know to use pythagerous?
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arildno
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What relationships DO you know hold for right-angled triangles that might come in handy?
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cristo
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Sorry, one correction to your second line.thomas49th said:
[tex]x ^ {2} + 16x + 64 = 2x^2+10x+25[/tex]
Well, you did the hard part; spotting that it was a right angled triangle. Pythagoras' theorem holds for right angled triangles, and is a relationship relating the squares of the sides. Since the solution contains an x^2, this is quite a big hint as to what you should use.