Pythagorean theorem

The pythagorean theorem states that, in a right triangle, if you call the hypotenuse c and the other 2 sides a and b, then:

c² = a² + b²

And so, to determine c, the hypotenuse, you must take the square root:

c = √ (a 2 + b 2)

For example, in a right triangle that has side a = 3 inches and side b = 4 inches, then the hypotenuse (side c) = :
c² = 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25.
So c is the square root of 25: , which is 5.
If you know the hypotenuse and one of the other two sides of a right triangle, you can use the pythagorean theorem to find the missing side by rearranging the pythagorean theorem formula. For example, if you call the missing side "b", then:

b² = c² - a²

So, b = √ (c 2 - a 2)

To see a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem, Click here.

Now, here's a problem for you:
What is the hypotenuse (side c) of a right triangle
whose other sides are 12 cm. and 5 cm?

Hypotenuse = ____ cm.