Question

find the length of the third side. if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=4$ (hypotenuse), $a=2$, $b$ is unknown side.

Step2: Rearrange to solve for $b$

$b^2 = c^2 - a^2$

Step3: Substitute known values

$b^2 = 4^2 - 2^2 = 16 - 4 = 12$

Step4: Calculate square root

$b = \sqrt{12} = 2\sqrt{3} \approx 3.5$

Answer:

3.5