Find the missing side of the right triangle if we know the sides are 38 and 9. Round your answer to the nearest tenth.

a2+b2=c2


(1 point)
x =

1 answer

To find the missing side of the right triangle, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states:

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

In this case, we need to determine which two sides we have. From your question, it appears we have two side lengths: 38 and 9.

Assuming 38 is the hypotenuse \(c\) (the longest side) and 9 is one of the legs \(a\), we can find the other leg \(b\) using the formula:

\[ 9^2 + b^2 = 38^2 \]

Calculating the squares gives:

\[ 81 + b^2 = 1444 \]

Now, we can isolate \(b^2\):

\[ b^2 = 1444 - 81 \]

\[ b^2 = 1363 \]

Now, take the square root to find \(b\):

\[ b = \sqrt{1363} \approx 36.9 \]

Rounding to the nearest tenth, the length of the missing side is:

\[ \boxed{36.9} \]