To find the length of the missing leg in a right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states:
\[ a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \]
where:
- \( c \) is the length of the hypotenuse,
- \( a \) and \( b \) are the lengths of the other two legs.
In your case, the hypotenuse \( c \) is 26 ft and one leg \( b \) is 10 ft. We need to solve for the missing leg \( a \).
Using the Pythagorean theorem:
\[ a^2 + 10^2 = 26^2 \]
Calculating the squares:
\[ a^2 + 100 = 676 \]
Now, subtract 100 from both sides:
\[ a^2 = 676 - 100 \] \[ a^2 = 576 \]
Next, take the square root of both sides to find \( a \):
\[ a = \sqrt{576} \] \[ a = 24 \]
Therefore, the length of the missing leg \( a \) is 24 feet.