WAEC Mathematics 2012 Objective — Question 19

Question 19 of 50 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Mathematics 2012 Objective paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.

In ΔXYZ, |XY|=8cm, |YZ|=10cm and |XZ|=6cm. Which of these relations is true?

A. |XY|+|YZ|=|XZ|
B. |XY|−|YZ|=|XZ|
C. |XZ|²=|YZ|²−|XY|²Correct
D. |YZ|²=|XZ|²−|XY|²

Explanation

Since 6²+8²=36+64=100=10², the triangle is right-angled at X, so |XZ|² = |YZ|²−|XY|² (Pythagoras: hypotenuse² = sum of squares of the other two, rearranged).

Sign up free to unlock

Score tracking
Practice history
Saved questions
Progress dashboard
Personalized sessions
Weak-topic breakdown

…and/or go further with premium services and No Ads.

Create free account

More questions from Mathematics 2012 Objective More Mathematics past papers