Answer:
12cm and 16cm
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypotenuse of the right angle triangle = 20cm
let the other two sides be x and y;
The difference;
x = y - 4
Problem:
Find x and y;
Solution:
According to the pythagoras theorem;
x² + y² = 20² ------ i
x² + y² = 400 ----- i
and x - y = 4 ---- ii
So; x = 4 + y
Now input the value into equation (i);
(y + 4)² + y² = 400
(y+4)(y+4) + y² = 400
y² + y² + 4y + 4y + 16 = 400
2y² + 8y + 16 = 400
2y² + 8y + 16 -400 = 0
2y² + 8y - 384 = 0;
y² + 4y - 192 = 0
Factorize the equation;
y² + 16y - 12y - 192 = 0
y(y + 16) - 12(y + 16) = 0
(y-12)(y + 16) = 0
y -12 = 0 or y+ 16 = 0
y = 12 or -16
It is not realistic for the length of a body to be a negative value, so y= 12;
since;
x - y = 4,
x = 4 + 12
x = 16
