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WAEC Mathematics 2005 Question 19

Question 19

Quadratic Equations

The lengths of the adjacent sides of a right-angled triangle are x cm, (x − 1) cm. If the length of the hypotenuse is √13 cm, find the value of x.

  1. A.2
  2. B.3
  3. C.4
  4. D.5
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (3)

Explanation

x2 + (x − 1)2 = 13 gives x2 − x − 6 = 0, (x − 3)(x + 2) = 0, so x = 3.