Solving for Line FC Using the Pythagorean Theorem

[Cyclopse]

Homework Statement

Find line FC in the given problem.

Homework Equations

A^2 + b^2 = c^2

The Attempt at a Solution

according to the diagram,
1/2ac = bc - since the the two right triangles share the same hypotenuse.
bc = 12
so 1/2ac = 12,
i got the answer as 16^2 + b^2 = c^2,
is that correct?

 

[NascentOxygen]

Hi Cyclopse! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

according to the diagram,

Is it intended that we regard ABCD as a rectangle? It isn't marked as such.

1/2ac = bc - since the the two right triangles share the same hypotenuse.

But you could construct many different right triangles all having the same length hypotenuse.

bc = 12
so 1/2ac = 12,
i got the answer as 16^2 + b^2 = c^2,
is that correct?

Can you express FC in meters?