the hypotenuse of a 45 - 45 - 90 triangle measures 18 cm. what is the length of one leg of the triangle? 9…

the hypotenuse of a 45 - 45 - 90 triangle measures 18 cm. what is the length of one leg of the triangle? 9 cm 9\\sqrt{2} cm 18 cm 18\\sqrt{2} cm

the hypotenuse of a 45 - 45 - 90 triangle measures 18 cm. what is the length of one leg of the triangle? 9 cm 9\\sqrt{2} cm 18 cm 18\\sqrt{2} cm

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the ratio of sides

In a 45 - 45 - 90 triangle, if the length of each leg is $a$ and the hypotenuse is $c$, then $c = a\sqrt{2}$.

Step2: Solve for the leg length

Given $c = 18$, we have $18=a\sqrt{2}$. Solving for $a$, we get $a=\frac{18}{\sqrt{2}}$. Rationalize the denominator: $a=\frac{18\sqrt{2}}{2}=9\sqrt{2}$.

Answer:

B. $9\sqrt{2}$ cm