Questions: If the line segment AD is 10 inches long and the line segment BD is 6 inches long, find the length of the line segment AB.
Transcript text: If $\overline{A D}$ is $\mathbf{1 0}$ inches long. $\overline{B D}$ is $\mathbf{6}$ inches long.
1. Find the length of $\overline{A B}$.
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the given information
We are given that AD = 10 inches and BD = 6 inches. We also see that triangle ADB is a right triangle with a right angle at B.
Step 2: Apply the Pythagorean theorem
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 triangle ADB, AD is the hypotenuse, so we have:
AB² + BD² = AD²
Step 3: Substitute the known values
We know AD = 10 and BD = 6, so we can substitute these values into the equation:
AB² + 6² = 10²
Step 4: Simplify and solve for AB
AB² + 36 = 100
AB² = 100 - 36
AB² = 64
AB = √64
AB = 8