c = \sqrt{5^2 + 12^2} = \sqrt{25 + 144} = \sqrt{169} = 13 ext{ cm}

Sat, 02 May 2026 23:35:36 +0000

Understanding the Calculation: c = √(5² + 12²) = 13 cm Mathematics often reveals elegant simplicity when solving right triangle problems, and one classic example is calculating the hypotenuse using the Pythagorean theorem. In this article, we explore the key calculation:
c = √(5² + 12²) = √(25 + 144) = √169 = 13 cm ### What Does This Equation Represent?
This formula stems from the Pythagorean theorem, a cornerstone of geometry that applies to right-angled triangles. The theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In this case:
- a = 5 cm
- b = 12 cm
- c = hypotenuse = ?