Application of Equations with

Radicals & Rational Exponents

ca

b

HypotenuseLeg

Leg

• Pythagorean Theorem

𝑐 = √𝑎2 + 𝑏2

a= √c²- b²

b= √c²-a²

Steps in solving

ExampleA community billboard

has sides 5 meters and 12 meters. What is the

length of it diagonal?

Step One:

Illustrate12 M

5M

???

Step Two

Write the given

a=5 b=12 c=?

Step 3

Write the formula

C = √a² +b²

Step 4

Substitute

C= √12²+ 5²

Step 5

Square the given

C= √144+ 25

Step 6

Add or Subtract

√169

Step 7

Find the roots

c= 13