Question

what is the length of the hypotenuse? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth. c = feet

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem for a right - triangle is $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $a = 8$ ft and $b = 15$ ft, and $c$ is the hypotenuse. So, $c^{2}=8^{2}+15^{2}$.

Step2: Calculate the squares

$8^{2}=64$ and $15^{2}=225$. Then $c^{2}=64 + 225$.

Step3: Add the values

$c^{2}=64+225=289$.

Step4: Find the value of $c$

Take the square root of both sides. Since $c>0$, $c=\sqrt{289}=17$.

Answer:

17