Question

what is the length of the hypotenuse? if necessary, round to the nearest tenth. c = meters

Explanation:

Step1: Apply Pythagorean theorem

For a right - triangle with legs \(a = 15\) and \(b = 8\), the Pythagorean theorem is \(c^{2}=a^{2}+b^{2}\), where \(c\) is the hypotenuse. So \(c^{2}=15^{2}+8^{2}\).

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

\(15^{2}=15\times15 = 225\) and \(8^{2}=8\times8 = 64\). Then \(c^{2}=225 + 64=289\).

Step3: Find \(c\)

Take the square - root of both sides. \(c=\sqrt{289}\), and \(\sqrt{289}=17\).

Answer:

17