Question

1. a 16 in. 20 in.

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

By the Pythagorean theorem \(a^{2}+16^{2}=20^{2}\).

Step2: Solve for \(a^{2}\)

\(a^{2}=20^{2}-16^{2}\). Calculate \(20^{2}=400\) and \(16^{2}=256\), so \(a^{2}=400 - 256=144\).

Step3: Find the value of \(a\)

Take the square - root of both sides. Since \(a>0\), \(a = \sqrt{144}=12\).

Answer:

12