Question

7.1.ps - 12
what is the length of the unknown leg of the right triangle?
(the figure is not drawn to scale)
the length of the unknown leg of the right triangle is
(round to one decimal place as needed.)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Pythagorean Theorem

For a right triangle with legs \(a\), \(b\) and hypotenuse \(c\), \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\). Let the unknown leg be \(x\), one leg \(a = 1\) ft, hypotenuse \(c=2\) ft. So \(x^{2}+1^{2}=2^{2}\).

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

\(x^{2}=2^{2}- 1^{2}=4 - 1=3\).

Step3: Solve for \(x\)

\(x=\sqrt{3}\approx1.7\) (rounded to one decimal place).

Answer:

\(1.7\)