Question

8 in.
a
3 in.
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a = \square inches

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c=8$, $b=3$.
Rearrange to solve for $a$: $a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$

Step2: Substitute known values

$a = \sqrt{8^2 - 3^2} = \sqrt{64 - 9}$

Step3: Calculate and simplify

$a = \sqrt{55} \approx 7.4$

Answer:

7.4 inches