Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

In a right - triangle, $a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse and $a$ and $b$ are the legs. Here, assume the hypotenuse $c = 45$ mi and one leg $a = 36$ mi. We want to find $b$. So, $b^{2}=c^{2}-a^{2}$.

Step2: Substitute values

$b^{2}=45^{2}-36^{2}=2025 - 1296=729$.

Step3: Solve for $b$

$b=\sqrt{729}=27$ mi.

Answer:

27