Question

1. a triangle has legs of 8 and 15 units. what is the hypotenuse? a. 18 units b. 16 units c. 19 units d. 17 units

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

Let \(a = 8\), \(b=15\), and the hypotenuse be \(c\). The Pythagorean theorem is \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\). So \(c=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}\).

Step2: Calculate \(a^{2}+b^{2}\)

\(a^{2}=8^{2}=64\), \(b^{2}=15^{2}=225\). Then \(a^{2}+b^{2}=64 + 225=289\).

Step3: Find the square - root

\(c=\sqrt{289}=17\).

Answer:

d. 17 units