One side of a laptop is 9.5 inches and the other side is 14 inches. Using the Pythagorean Theorem, what is the length of the diagonal of the laptop? Answer choices are rounded to the nearest inch. a.) 17 inches b.) 10 inches c.) 28 inches d.) 12 inches

To find the length of the diagonal of the laptop, you can use the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that \( a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \), where \( c \) is the hypotenuse (the diagonal in this case). Here, \( a = 9.5 \) inches and \( b = 14 \) inches. Calculating gives you: \[ c^2 = 9.5^2 + 14^2 \\ c^2 = 90.25 + 196 \\ c^2 = 286.25 \\ c = \sqrt{286.25} \approx 16.9 \] Rounding to the nearest inch, the length of the diagonal is approximately 17 inches. So, the answer is: a.) 17 inches. If you're ever curious about the origins of the Pythagorean Theorem, it's named after the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who lived around 570-495 BC. He didn't just dabble in geometry; his contributions laid the groundwork for various fields such as music, astronomy, and philosophy! In the real world, understanding the dimensions of laptops can help you make smarter choices when it comes to carrying and using your device. Whether it's finding the perfect bag or arranging your workspace, knowing the diagonal length helps ensure compatibility with accessories and furniture, making your tech life a lot more seamless!