The hypotenuse of a right triangle is metres and another side is metre. Calculate its perimeter correct to a centimetre.

In the given figure, hypotenuse, BC = 1.5 m and AB = 0.5 m.

We know that in a right angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

⇒ In ΔABC, BC² = AB² + AC²

⇒ 1.5² = 0.5² + AC²

⇒ 2.25 = 0.25 + AC²

⇒ AC² = 2.25 – 0.25 = 2

∴ AC = √2 m

⇒ √2 ≈ 1.41 m (correct to a centimetre)

We know that perimeter of a polygon is the sum of all its sides.

⇒ Perimeter of given triangle = 1.5 + 0.5 + √2

= 2 + √2

⇒ 2 + √2 ≈ 2 + 1.41 = 3.41 m

∴ Perimeter = 3.41 metres (correct to a centimetre)