Answer:
x = sqrt (2), y = sqrt (2)
Step-by-step explanation:
Here is how we can approach this problem in a step by step solution:
- Look at what we are given - we know that the triangle is a right triangle (has a square on one of its angles representing 90 degrees), and the hypotenuse (the side opposite 90 degree angle) is 2 units long, and one of the other angles is 45 degrees
- Using this information about angle measurements, we can solve for the third angle using the sum of angles in a triangle equals 180 degrees theorem: 180 - 90 - 45 = 45. After solving, we get that the final angle is 45 degrees
- Now, we know that the angles of the triangle are 90, 45, and 45 degrees. Using the base angle theorem, we know that his triangle must be an isocoles right triangle
- That means that both legs of the triangle must be congruent (x = y)
- Finally, we can use the Pythagorean theorem because this is a right triangle to solve for the missing sides 4 = x^2 + y^2, 4 = 2 + 2, x = sqrt (2) y = sqrt (2)
*Also, if you knew that a 45-45-90 triangle's sides form a ratio of a, a, and sqrt (2) a, you could also use that and substitute in the values to solve. Both ways work! Hope this helps!!
