Question

What is the length of the missing leg? If necessary, round to the nearest tenth.































b
=
inches

a = 17, c = 15

Answer 1

To find the length of the missing leg \( b \) in a right triangle, you can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that:

\[
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
\]

In this case, you are provided with:

- \( a = 17 \) (one leg of the triangle)
- \( c = 15 \) (the hypotenuse)

However, it seems there is a mistake in the values provided because, in any right triangle, the hypotenuse \( c \) must be the longest side. Since \( a \) is 17 and \( c \) is 15, it's not possible for \( c \) to be less than \( a \).

Please double-check the values of \( a \) and \( c \). If \( c \) is actually supposed to be more than 17, we can properly solve for \( b \) using the Pythagorean theorem.

Assuming you meant to have \( c = 17 \) and \( a = 15 \):

1. Substitute the values into the formula:

\[
15^2 + b^2 = 17^2
\]

2. Calculate:

\[
225 + b^2 = 289
\]

3. Rearranging the equation gives:

\[
b^2 = 289 - 225
\]

\[
b^2 = 64
\]

4. Take the square root of both sides:

\[
b = \sqrt{64}
\]

\[
b = 8
\]

Thus, the length of the missing leg \( b \) is \( 8 \) inches.

If this isn't accurate due to a misunderstanding of the triangle's side lengths, please clarify.