computer monitor measurements are typically classified by the diagonal length of the viewable area. what is…

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem for a right - triangle is $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $a$ and $b$ are the sides of the right - triangle and $c$ is the hypotenuse. In a rectangle, the diagonal forms the hypotenuse of a right - triangle with the sides of the rectangle. Here, $a = 16$ inches and $b = 12$ inches. So, $c^{2}=16^{2}+12^{2}$.

Step2: Calculate $16^{2}$ and $12^{2}$

$16^{2}=16\times16 = 256$ and $12^{2}=12\times12 = 144$. Then $c^{2}=256 + 144=400$.

Step3: Find the value of $c$

Take the square root of both sides. $c=\sqrt{400}=20$ inches.

Answer:

C. 20 inches