Question

How do I solve this using the Pythagorean theorem

Answer 1

The answer is X=8
15^2+b^2=17^2

Answer 2

x=8

Explanation:

Remember that the variables a and b in the formula are the legs and c is the hypotenuse. So that means that 15 and x are the legs and 17 is the hypotenuse. Plug those numbers where they go in the formula like below:

15^2+x^2=17^2

Go ahead and square the 15 and 17 to simplify it a little.

225+x^2=289

Now, get the x by itself by subtracting 225 from each side

x^2=64

Take the square root of each side to remove the squared on x and solve.

x=8