Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
$b = \square$ meters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

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

Step2: Substitute given values

Here, $c=25$ m, $a=15$ m:
$b = \sqrt{25^2 - 15^2}$

Step3: Calculate squares

$25^2 = 625$, $15^2 = 225$:
$b = \sqrt{625 - 225}$

Step4: Compute difference and square root

$625 - 225 = 400$, $\sqrt{400} = 20$

Answer:

20 meters