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How can I find the value of xyz, and write my answer an a simplified radical?

Update:

How can I find the value of x, y, and z individually (not xyz) and write as a radical simplified.

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2 Answers

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  • 2 weeks ago
    Favorite Answer

    x, y and z are the 3 unknew, so you need 3 equations.

    In the big triangle, by using the Pythagorean's theorem:

    y² + z² = (3 + 12)²

    y² + z² = 15²

    z² = 15² - y² ← memorize this result as (1)

    In the little triangle, by using the Pythagorean's theorem:

    3² + x² = y²

    x² = y² - 3² ← memorize this result as (2)

    In the medium triangle, by using the Pythagorean's theorem:

    x² + 12² = z² → recall (1): z² = 15² - y²

    x² + 12² = 15² - y² → recall (2): x² = y² - 3²

    y² - 3² + 12² = 15² - y²

    2y² = 15² - 12² + 3²

    2y² = 90

    y² = 45

    → y = 3√5

    Recall (2): x² = y² - 3² = 45 - 9 = 36

    → x = 6

    Recall (1): z² = 15² - y² = 15² - 45 = 180

    → z = 6√5

  • 2 weeks ago

    z^2 + y^2 = (3+12)^2

    z^2 + y^2 = 225

    x^2 + 3^2 = y^2

    x^2 + 9 = y^2

    x^2 + 12^2 = z^2

    x^2 + 144 = z^2

    x^2 = z^2 - 144

    z^2 - 144 + 9 = y^2

    z^2 + y^2 = 225

    z^2 - 135 = y^2

    2z^2 = 360

    z^2 = 180

    z = 6 root 5

    180 + y^2 = 225

    y^2 = 45

    y = 3 root 5

    x^2 = 36

    x = 6

    xyz = (6 x 3 x 5 x 6) = 540

    I'll actually be shocked if I got this right. Honestly it's possible that geometry could have gotten me the answer quicker. But I forget geometry. 

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