Step 1: Problem Identification:
A right circular cone is defined by a height of 24 cm and a radius of 7 cm. The objective is to determine its slant height.
Step 2: Application of the Pythagorean Theorem:
Within a right circular cone, the radius \( r \), height \( h \), and slant height \( l \) form a right triangle, with the slant height serving as the hypotenuse. The Pythagorean theorem applies as follows:
\[l^2 = r^2 + h^2\]
where:
- \( l \) represents the slant height,
- \( r = 7 \) cm denotes the radius,
- \( h = 24 \) cm indicates the height.
Step 3: Value Substitution and Calculation:
Substitute the given values of \( r = 7 \) cm and \( h = 24 \) cm into the equation:
\[l^2 = 7^2 + 24^2\]
\[l^2 = 49 + 576\]
\[l^2 = 625\]
Calculate \( l \) by taking the square root of both sides:
\[l = \sqrt{625} = 25 \text{ cm}\]
Step 4: Final Result:
The calculated slant height of the cone is \( 25 \) cm.