While constructing a square root spiral, Riya draws a perpendicular segment of length 1 unit at the end of the previous hypotenuse of length \(\sqrt{8}\). She considers the new hypotenuse to be \(\sqrt{10}\). What should the correct new hypotenuse be?

Correct answer: \(\sqrt{9}\)

For the new right triangle, hypotenuse² = \((\sqrt{8})^2+1^2=8+1=9\), so the hypotenuse is \(\sqrt{9}\). \(\sqrt{10}\) would follow \(\sqrt{9}\), not \(\sqrt{8}\). Exam tip: add 1 at each spiral step.