Question

current learning objective: using the pythagorean theorem
question 8
score: 0 of 1 point
find the length of the missing side x in this right triangle.
15 17
x
x = enter your answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean theorem

In a right - triangle, \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\), where \(c\) is the hypotenuse (the longest side). Here, \(c = 17\), \(a=15\) and \(b = x\).

Step2: Rearrange the formula

We get \(x^{2}=c^{2}-a^{2}\). Substitute \(c = 17\) and \(a = 15\) into the formula: \(x^{2}=17^{2}-15^{2}\).

Step3: Calculate the squares

\(17^{2}=289\) and \(15^{2}=225\). So \(x^{2}=289 - 225\).

Step4: Subtract

\(x^{2}=64\).

Step5: Take the square - root

Since \(x>0\) (as it represents the length of a side of a triangle), \(x=\sqrt{64}=8\).

Answer:

8