Examples with solutions for Using the Pythagorean Theorem: Isosceles triangle

Exercise #1

The triangle in the drawing is rectangular and isosceles.

Calculate the length of the legs of the triangle.

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Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

We use the Pythagorean theorem as shown below:

AC2+BC2=AB2 AC^2+BC^2=AB^2

Since the triangles are isosceles, the theorem can be written as follows:

AC2+AC2=AB2 AC^2+AC^2=AB^2

We then insert the known data:

2AC2=(82)2=64×2 2AC^2=(8\sqrt{2})^2=64\times2

Finally we reduce the 2 and extract the root:

AC=64=8 AC=\sqrt{64}=8

BC=AC=8 BC=AC=8

Answer

8 cm

Exercise #2

Below is an isosceles right triangle:

XXXXXX161616

What is the value of X?

Video Solution

Answer

128 \sqrt{128}

Exercise #3

ABC is a right angled isosceles triangle.

What is the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the leg?

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Video Solution

Answer

2:1 \sqrt{2}:1

Exercise #4

Look at the triangles in the diagram below.

DBC is an isosceles triangle.

AB=13
AC=5

Calculate the length of the legs of triangle DBC.

131313555AAABBBCCCDDD

Video Solution

Answer

62 6\sqrt{2} cm

Exercise #5

The triangle in the figure is isosceles.

The length of the hypotenuse is x+32 \frac{x+3}{\sqrt{2}} cm.

Work out the length of the leg.

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Video Solution

Answer

x+32 \frac{x+3}{2} cm