The area \( A \) of a right triangle can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]
In this case, the base is \( 5.75 \) inches and the height is \( 8.5 \) inches. Plugging in these values into the formula:
\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times 5.75 \times 8.5 \]
Now, calculate the product:
\[ 5.75 \times 8.5 = 48.875 \]
Next, we multiply by \( \frac{1}{2} \):
\[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times 48.875 = 24.4375 \]
Therefore, the area of the right triangle is
\[ \boxed{24.4375} \text{ square inches.} \]