In a right triangle, the lengths of the two legs are $5$ cm and $12$ cm. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

Step-by-step solution

1. Use the Pythagorean theorem: $c^2=a^2+b^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse and $a,b$ are the legs.
2. Substitute $a=5$ and $b=12$. $c^2=5^2+12^2=25+144=169$. Take the square root: $c=\sqrt{169}=13$ cm.
3. Therefore the hypotenuse is $13$ cm.

Concept tested: Pythagoras theorem

Published 10 October 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked