To find the missing side length \( AB \) of the right triangle using the tangent ratio, we can use the definition of the tangent function:
\[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \]
In this triangle, angle \( C \) is \( 26^\circ \), \( BC \) (the side opposite angle \( C \)) is given as \( 15 \) inches, and we need to find the length of side \( AB \) (the side adjacent to angle \( C \)).
Here, we have:
- Opposite side (BC) = \( 15 \) inches
- Angle \( C \) = \( 26^\circ \)
- Adjacent side (AB) = ?
Using the tangent function:
\[ \tan(26^\circ) = \frac{BC}{AB} \]
We can rearrange this to find \( AB \):
\[ AB = \frac{BC}{\tan(26^\circ)} \]
Now, substitute \( BC = 15 \) inches into the equation:
\[ AB = \frac{15}{\tan(26^\circ)} \]
Using a calculator to find \( \tan(26^\circ) \):
\[ \tan(26^\circ) \approx 0.4877 \]
Now, substitute this value back into the equation:
\[ AB = \frac{15}{0.4877} \approx 30.73 \text{ inches} \]
Therefore, the length of side \( AB \) rounded to the nearest hundredths is:
\[ \boxed{30.73} \text{ inches} \]