Question

52 yd.
a
20 yd.
what is the length of the missing leg? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth.
a =
\boxed{} yards
submit

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For right triangle: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, so $a = \sqrt{c^2 - b^2}$

Step2: Substitute given values

$c=52$, $b=20$, so $a = \sqrt{52^2 - 20^2}$

Step3: Calculate squares

$52^2=2704$, $20^2=400$, so $a = \sqrt{2704 - 400}$

Step4: Subtract inside root

$2704-400=2304$, so $a = \sqrt{2304}$

Step5: Compute square root

$\sqrt{2304}=48$

Answer:

48 yards