Question

Find the value of x, if 8, x, and 17 form a Pythagorean triplet with 17 being the largest number.

Answer 1

Given that, $8,x,17$ form a Pythagorean triplet.

$\therefore 8^2+x^2={17}^2$

$\Rightarrow x^2={17}^2-8^2$

$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{{17}^2-8^2}$

$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{289-64}$

$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{225}$

$\Rightarrow x$ = 15