Question

what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
? = _____ feet.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right triangle, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse, $b=4$, $c=5$. Rearrange to solve for $a=h$:
$h^2 = c^2 - b^2$

Step2: Substitute known values

$h^2 = 5^2 - 4^2$
$h^2 = 25 - 16$
$h^2 = 9$

Step3: Solve for h

Take square root of both sides:
$h = \sqrt{9} = 3$

Answer:

$h = 3$ feet