Question

The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triangle, the lengths of the three sides are related by the equation c squared = a squared + b squared. Use the Pythagorean theorem to answer the following question.

One leg of a right triangle measures 8 inches and the hypotenuse 17 inches. Determine the length of the other leg.
a.
9 inches
b.
13 inches
c.
15 inches
d.
17 inches

Answer 1

c. 15 in

Explanation:

a = 8

b = ?

c = 17

8² + b² = 17²

b² = 17² - 8² = 289 - 64 = 225

b = √225 = 15